Can I restore a downloaded backup file directly to a new RDS instance?
No. Backup files downloaded from the ApsaraDB RDS console cannot be used to directly restore data to a new RDS instance. To get data into a new RDS instance, you must first restore the backup to a self-managed MySQL instance, then migrate from that instance to the new RDS instance.
Stage 1: Restore to a self-managed MySQL instance
Choose the method that matches your backup file type:
Physical backup file — Restore data from a physical backup file to a self-managed MySQL database
Logical backup file — Restore data from a logical backup file to a self-managed MySQL instance
Snapshot backup files — Restore data from snapshot backup files to a self-managed MySQL instance
Stage 2: Migrate to the new RDS instance
Choose one of the following migration options:
Data Transmission Service (DTS) — Migrate data directly from the self-managed MySQL instance to the new RDS instance. See Migrate data from a self-managed MySQL instance to an ApsaraDB RDS for MySQL instance.
Full backup via Object Storage Service (OSS) — Take a full backup of the self-managed MySQL instance, upload it to an OSS bucket, import it into the original RDS instance, and then restore to the new RDS instance. See Migrate data of a self-managed MySQL 5.7 or MySQL 8.0 instance to an ApsaraDB RDS for MySQL instance.
Why is the downloaded backup file smaller than the instance storage capacity?
The Capacity value on the Basic Information page shows the total space used by the RDS instance — instance data, system files, and backup data combined. A downloaded backup file contains only the actual database data, not system files or other overhead. These two values measure different things and are not directly comparable.
For information about expanding or releasing storage capacity, see FAQ about storage capacity.
How do I restore or import a self-managed MySQL backup file to an ApsaraDB RDS instance?
See Restore the backup data of a self-managed MySQL 5.7 or MySQL 8.0 instance to an ApsaraDB RDS for MySQL instance or Migrate data of a self-managed MySQL 5.7 or MySQL 8.0 instance to an ApsaraDB RDS for MySQL instance.
Why can't I download backup files from my RDS for MySQL instance that uses cloud disks?
Download is only available when the instance meets specific prerequisites. See the prerequisites section in Download the backup files of an RDS instance that uses cloud disks.