How to Upgrade AWS RDS from 8.0.41 to 8.4.8

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When you update Amazon RDS for MySQL from version 8.0.41 to 8.4.8 in a setup that includes a primary database, a standby in the main region, and a read replica in the disaster recovery (DR) region, it’s important to upgrade all your read replicas before upgrading the primary instance. This helps ensure a smooth transition and reduces potential issues.

Start by upgrading the read replica in the DR region first. Once that is successful, upgrade the primary database in the main region. If you have a Multi-AZ deployment, the standby instance will be automatically upgraded along with the primary, so you don’t need to handle it separately.

Before beginning the upgrade, there are a few key points to keep in mind:

First, Amazon RDS will automatically run pre-checks to look for any issues or incompatibilities between MySQL versions 8.0 and 8.4. Since these versions have some significant changes, it’s crucial to pay attention to these checks.

Second, it’s highly recommended to test the upgrade process. You can do this by creating a snapshot of your current database, restoring it to a test environment, and then performing the upgrade there. This step helps you catch any potential problems before impacting your live database.

Third, expect some downtime during the upgrade. Amazon RDS takes several snapshots during the process to safeguard your data, giving you the option to restore to the previous version if needed.

Finally, review the details in the MySQL 8.4 upgrade documentation. It provides important information about compatibility issues that might affect your database or applications, helping you prepare better.

The best sequence of actions for your setup is to upgrade the read replica in the DR region first, then upgrade the primary in the main region. The standby will be upgraded automatically when you upgrade the primary database.

For more detailed guidance, check out the official Amazon RDS documentation on major version upgrades, testing upgrades, reducing downtime, and handling upgrades for MySQL. These resources provide in-depth steps and tips to help you navigate the process smoothly.