By default, ApsaraDB RDS for MySQL backs up all databases and tables. To back up only specific databases, trigger a logical backup with single-database scope from the RDS console. To back up individual tables or run selective backups on a recurring schedule, use Data Disaster Recovery (DDR).
Supported scope
| Method | Granularity | Scheduling |
|---|---|---|
| RDS console (logical backup) | Database-level only — table-level not supported | Manual (on-demand) only |
| Data Disaster Recovery (logical backup) | Database-level and table-level | One-time or recurring schedule |
The default ApsaraDB RDS backup always covers all databases and tables and cannot be scoped to a subset. If you do not need to back up specific databases or tables, we recommend that you delete those databases and tables or migrate them to your computer. To reduce the size or cost of default backups, see Reduce backup costs.
Back up specific databases from the console
Use the RDS console when you need to back up one or more specific databases on demand. Table-level selection is not supported with this method.
Prerequisites
Before you begin, ensure that you have:
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An ApsaraDB RDS for MySQL instance running MySQL 8.0, 5.7, or 5.6
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An instance edition of High Availability Edition or MySQL 5.7 RDS Enterprise Edition
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A local SSD storage type (verify on the Basic Information page of your instance)
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The
AliyunServiceRoleForDBSservice-linked role created under your Alibaba Cloud account (required for first-time use; see How do I create a service-linked role for Data Disaster Recovery?)
Instances using standard SSDs or Enhanced SSDs support snapshot backups only and do not support backing up specific databases or tables. For these instance types, use DMS data export or export the target database as a SQL file using the mysqldump command.
Procedure
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Log on to the ApsaraDB RDS console. In the top navigation bar, select the region where your instance resides, then click the instance ID.
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In the upper-right corner of the instance page, click Backup Instance.
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In the dialog box, set Select Backup Mode to Logical Backup and Backup Policy to Single-Database Backup.
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Select the databases to back up, click
to add them to the right panel, and then click OK. -
(Optional) Track backup progress. The system creates a logical backup task. To view its progress, click
in the upper-right corner to open the Tasks page, then filter Task Type by Manual Backup.
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(Optional) Restore the backup. To restore data from this logical backup, see Restore logical backup files to a self-managed MySQL instance or Restore databases and tables.
Back up databases and tables using Data Disaster Recovery
Use DDR when you need table-level selection, recurring scheduled backups, or both.
DDR logical backup supports selecting individual databases and tables and can run as a one-time job or on a recurring schedule.
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Create a backup plan, selecting Logical Backup as the backup method.
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Configure the backup plan. When setting the backup time:
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Select One-time Backup for a single run.
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Select a recurring schedule to automatically back up specific databases or tables at regular intervals.
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For full details, see Back up an ApsaraDB RDS for MySQL instance using logical backup.
API reference
Use the following APIs to manage RDS backup settings or configure DDR backup plans programmatically.
| Classification | API operation | Description |
|---|---|---|
| ApsaraDB RDS backups | ModifyBackupPolicy | Modifies the backup settings of an RDS instance |
| DescribeBackupPolicy | Queries the backup settings of an instance | |
| DescribeBackups | Queries backup sets | |
| DescribeBackupTasks | Queries backup tasks of an RDS instance | |
| Data Disaster Recovery backups | CreateBackupPlan | Creates a backup plan |
| ConfigureBackupPlan | Configures a backup plan |