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ApsaraDB RDS:Enable or disable the release protection feature for an ApsaraDB RDS for PostgreSQL instance

Last Updated:Mar 28, 2026

Release protection prevents an ApsaraDB RDS for PostgreSQL instance from being manually released through the console or an API call. Enable it on pay-as-you-go instances that run critical workloads to guard against accidental deletion or miscommunication within a team.

Warning

Release protection only blocks manual release attempts. It does not prevent automatic release triggered by either of the following conditions:

  • Your account has an overdue payment for more than 15 days.

  • The RDS instance does not comply with applicable security compliance policies.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure that you have:

  • A pay-as-you-go RDS instance (release protection is not available for subscription instances)

How it works

When release protection is enabled on an instance:

  • Console: Attempting to release the instance displays an error message indicating that the release failed.

  • API: Calling the DeleteDBInstance operation returns an error message indicating that the release failed.

Enable release protection

Enable during instance creation

  1. 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.

  2. On the Instances page, click Create Instance.

  3. In the Basic Resources step, set Billing Method to Pay-As-You-Go and configure the other required parameters. Click Next: Instance Configuration.

  4. In the Instance Configuration step, select Prevents instances from being unexpectedly deleted by using the console or calling an API operation. Configure the other required parameters, then click Next: Confirm Order.

  5. Complete the remaining configuration and confirm the order.

Note

When calling CreateDBInstance or CloneDBInstance to create an instance, set the DeletionProtection parameter to enable or disable release protection.

Enable for an existing instance

Method 1: From the Instances page

  1. 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.

  2. Find the target instance and choose More > Change Release Protection Settings in the Actions column.

  3. In the dialog box, turn on Release Protection.

  4. Click OK.

Method 2: From the instance details page

  1. Go to the Instances page. In the top navigation bar, select the region, then click the instance ID.

  2. On the Basic Information page, find the Configuration Information section and click Settings to the right of Release Protection.

  3. In the dialog box, turn on Release Protection.

  4. Click OK.

Note

To enable release protection via API, call ModifyDBInstanceDeletionProtection.

Disable release protection

Method 1: From the Instances page

  1. 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.

  2. Find the target instance and choose More > Change Release Protection Settings in the Actions column.

  3. In the dialog box, turn off Release Protection.

  4. Click OK.

Method 2: From the instance details page

  1. Go to the Instances page. In the top navigation bar, select the region, then click the instance ID.

  2. On the Basic Information page, find the Configuration Information section and click Settings to the right of Release Protection.

  3. In the dialog box, turn off Release Protection.

  4. Click OK.

API reference

The following API operations support release protection settings. Use the DeletionProtection parameter to enable or disable the feature when creating an instance.

OperationDescription
CreateDBInstanceCreates an instance. Use the DeletionProtection parameter to set release protection at creation time.
CloneDBInstanceRestores instance data to a new instance. Use the DeletionProtection parameter to set release protection.
ModifyDBInstanceDeletionProtectionEnables or disables release protection for an existing instance.

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