Switch an ApsaraDB RDS for MySQL instance from subscription to pay-as-you-go when your usage becomes unpredictable or short-term. The switch does not interrupt your running instance.
Prerequisites
Before you begin, make sure that:
The instance uses the subscription billing method. For details, see Billable items.
The instance is in the Running state. If the instance is locked due to expiration, renew it first. See Manually renew an ApsaraDB RDS for MySQL instance.
The instance does not use a phased-out instance type. See Primary ApsaraDB RDS instance types. If the instance uses a phased-out type, change the instance type before switching the billing method.
Refund calculation
After the switch, Alibaba Cloud refunds the unused portion of your subscription fee 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.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Fee actually paid | The amount you paid for the subscription, excluding coupons and vouchers |
| Fee for consumed resources | Daily fee × Consumed subscription duration (in days) × Discount applied to that duration |
| Daily fee | Order-specific fee ÷ 30 |
The consumed duration is rounded up to the nearest day. Any partial day counts as a full day.
Subscription billing is more cost-effective for long-term, stable usage, as longer subscription periods receive higher discounts.
Switch from subscription to pay-as-you-go
Log in to the ApsaraDB RDS console. In the left navigation pane, click Instances. In the top navigation bar, select the region where the instance resides.
Find the instance and go to the Change from Subscription to Pay-as-you-go page using either method:
In the Billing Method column, click Switch to Pay-as-you-go.
Click the instance ID. In the Status section, click Change to Pay-As-You-Go next to Billing Method.
Confirm the instance information, select the checkbox to agree to the Terms of Service, and then click Confirm Order to complete the payment.
FAQ
What should I do if a price inquiry failure occurs when switching the billing method?
Two common causes:
Classic network: The instance is on a classic network, which is no longer available. Change the network type to virtual private cloud (VPC), then retry the switch.
Phased-out instance type: The instance uses a phased-out instance type. Change to a supported instance type first. See Primary ApsaraDB RDS instance types.
API reference
| API | Description |
|---|---|
| Change the billing method | Changes the billing method of an instance |