Switch an ApsaraDB RDS for MySQL instance from subscription to pay-as-you-go when your usage patterns have changed and you need billing flexibility. The unused portion of your subscription fee is automatically refunded to your original payment method.
Prerequisites
Before you begin, make sure that:
The instance uses subscription billing. For billing method details, see Billable items.
The instance is in the Running state. If the instance is locked due to subscription expiration, renew it first.
The instance does not use a phased-out instance type. If it does, change the instance type to a current one before switching billing methods.
How refunds work
After the switch, the unused portion of your subscription fee is refunded to your original payment method.
Refund = Fee actually paid - Fee for consumed resources
The fee actually paid is the money that you paid and does not include the amount that is covered by coupons or vouchers.
The fee for consumed resources is calculated based on the following formula: Fee for consumed resources = Daily fee × Consumed subscription duration × Discount for the consumed subscription duration. The daily fee is equal to the order-specific fee divided by 30.
NoteThe consumed subscription duration is accurate to days. The part that is less than one day is counted as one day.
Refund = Paid amount − Consumed fee
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Paid amount | The total amount you paid for the subscription order, excluding coupons and vouchers |
| Consumed fee | Daily fee × consumed days × applicable discount for the consumed period |
| Daily fee | Order amount ÷ 30 |
| Consumed days | Accurate to the day; any partial day counts as a full day |
Workload impact
Workloads continue to run without interruption during the billing method change.
The subscription billing method is more cost-effective than the pay-as-you-go billing method, and you are offered higher discounts for longer subscription durations. For long-term use, we recommend that you select the subscription billing method.
Switch to pay-as-you-go
Log on to the ApsaraDB RDS console. In the left-side navigation pane, click Instances. In the top navigation bar, select the region in which the RDS instance resides.
Find your instance and open the Switch to Pay-as-you-go Billing page using one of these methods:
In the Billing Method column, click Switch to Pay-as-you-go Billing.
Click the instance ID. In the Status section, click Convert to Pay as you go next to Billing Method.
Review the instance configuration, read and select the Terms of Service, click Pay Now, and complete the payment.
API reference
| Operation | Description |
|---|---|
| TransformDBInstancePayType | Changes the billing method of an instance |
FAQ
Why does the billing method change fail with a price inquiry error?
Two issues commonly cause this failure:
Classic network: The instance is in a classic network, which is no longer available. Change the network type to virtual private cloud (VPC) first, then retry the billing method change.
Phased-out instance type: The instance uses a phased-out instance type. Change to a currently available instance type, then retry.