ApsaraDB RDS for MySQL supports automatic and manual updates of the kernel version. These updates increase performance, unveil new features, and fix known issues.

For more information about the features that are provided by various kernel versions of ApsaraDB RDS for MySQL, see AliSQL release notes.

For more information about updating the kernel version of an ApsaraDB RDS for PostgreSQL instance, see Updating the kernel version of an ApsaraDB RDS for PostgreSQL instance.

Note ApsaraDB for RDS instances running SQL Server, PPAS, or MariaDB do not support kernel version updates.

Introduction

RDS for MySQL uses the automatic kernel version update mode by default. You can log on to the ApsaraDB for RDS console, navigate to the Basic Information page of your RDS instance, and then in the Configuration Information section view the current Minor Version Upgrade Mode.Configure the kernel version update mode
  • Auto: When a new kernel version is released, Alibaba Cloud pushes a notification to you and automatically updates the kernel version of your RDS instance during the specified maintenance window.
  • Manual: When the lifecycle of the kernel version installed on your RDS instance ends, Alibaba Cloud pushes a notification to you. The notification states that you must update your RDS instance to the latest stable kernel version within one month. In most cases, the lifecycle of a kernel version spans one year. You can manually update the kernel version on the Basic Information page.
    Note A kernel version is deprecated after its lifecycle ends.

Precautions

  • A kernel version update will restart your RDS instance. This may incur a 30-second brief disconnection. We recommend that you perform the update during off-peak hours or make sure that your application is configured to automatically reconnect to your RDS instance.
  • A kernel version update cannot be rolled back.
  • A kernel version update is triggered when you upgrade your RDS instance.

Configure the kernel version update mode

  1. Log on to the ApsaraDB for RDS console.
  2. In the top navigation bar, select the region where the target RDS instance resides.
  3. Find the target RDS instance and click its ID.
  4. In the Configuration Information section of the Basic Information page, click Configure to the right of Minor Version Upgrade Mode.
  5. Select Auto or Manual and click OK.Configure the kernel version update mode

Manually update the kernel version

  1. Log on to the ApsaraDB for RDS console.
  2. In the top navigation bar, select the region where the target RDS instance resides.
  3. Find the target RDS instance and click its ID.
  4. In the Configuration Information section of the Basic Information page, click Upgrade Minor Version.
  5. In the dialog box that appears, specify the update time and click OK.

FAQ

  • After I updated the kernel version of my RDS instance, why does the SELECT @@version statement still return the source kernel version that I used before the update?

    The kernel version that you updated is the kernel version of Alibaba Cloud instead of the kernel version of MySQL. You need to run the show variables like '%rds_release_date%' command to view the kernel version of your RDS instance.

  • Is each update targeted only for the next kernel version?

    No, each update is targeted for the latest kernel version.

Related operations

Operation Description
UpgradeDBInstanceKernelVersion Updates the kernel version of an ApsaraDB RDS for MySQL instance.