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    Elasticsearch:Release an instance

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    Elasticsearch:Release an instance

    Last Updated:Mar 26, 2026

    Release a cluster when it is no longer needed to stop billing.

    Only pay-as-you-go instances and expired subscription instances can be released directly. To release an active subscription instance, unsubscribe first to request a refund.

    Warning

    Released instance data is permanently purged and cannot be recovered after the cool-down period ends. Back up your data before proceeding. See Manual backup and recovery.

    Note

    Each instance can be recovered a maximum of three times after release.

    Prerequisites

    Before you begin, ensure that you have:

    Release a cluster from the console

    1. Log on to the Alibaba Cloud Elasticsearch console.

    2. In the left navigation pane, click Elasticsearch Clusters.

    3. In the top menu bar, select a resource group and a region.

    4. In the instance list, find the instance you want to release. In the Actions column, click 更多 > Release Cluster.

      Important

      If the instance is in the Initializing state, the Release Cluster option is unavailable. Wait for activation to complete before proceeding. If you have an active subscription instance, you cannot release it directly. In the Actions column, click More > Unsubscribe Instance to request a refund first. Alternatively, go to the Alibaba Cloud Management Console and choose Billing Management > Orders to unsubscribe. For more information, see Unsubscribe and request a refund. You can also contact technical support for assistance with refunds and releases.

    5. In the dialog box, select or clear the Immediately Delete checkbox, then click OK. Complete the security verification — multi-factor authentication (MFA) or facial recognition — to confirm the release.

      • Immediately Delete cleared: The release enters a 24-hour cool-down period. The instance remains visible in the instance list during this time. After the cool-down period ends, the instance data is permanently purged. During the cool-down period, you can:

        • Click 更多 > Resume Cluster to cancel the release and resume billing.

        • Click 更多 > Delete to purge the data immediately without waiting. The instance is removed from the instance list. After 24 hours, the associated resource usage information is permanently purged.

      • Immediately Delete selected: The instance data is released immediately and cannot be recovered. The instance is removed from the instance list. After 24 hours, the associated resource usage information is permanently purged.

    Next steps