In this article, you will learn about the procedure of upgrading the MySQL database to MariaDB using the Cloudways Platform. Click Here if you would like to learn why MariaDB is the database of choice for Cloudways and also to view the drop-in replacements of specific MySQL versions.
Important
Once you upgrade the older version of the database to the newer version, then you can not revert to the older version. For instance, if you upgrade MariaDB v10.1 to MariaDB v10.3, then you can not revert to MariaDB v10.1.
Supported Database Versions
Cloudways currently has MySQL v5.5, MySQL v5.6, MySQL v5.7, MariaDB v10.0, MariaDB v10.1, MariaDB v10.2, MariaDB v10.3 versions supported. However, newer servers and servers deployed after September 11th, 2019 are available with Debian 9 distribution and MariaDB v10.1 as a default database. You always have the ability to upgrade the database version to MariaDB v10.2 or MariaDB v10.3 as per your requirements. If you have a Debian 8 server with MySQL database and you want to upgrade to MariaDB then, continue reading this article.
There is a certain limitation that if you are using the specific MySQL version then you can only upgrade to specific MySQL and MariaDB versions using the Cloudways Platform. We have explained the same in an easy manner in the below table.
Database Version | Upgradable to |
MySQL v5.5 | MySQL v5.6, MySQL v5.7, MariaDB v10.0, MariaDB v10.1, MariaDB v10.2, and MariaDB v10.3. |
MySQL v5.6 | MySQL v5.7, MariaDB v10.1, MariaDB v10.2, and MariaDB v10.3. |
MySQL v5.7 | MariaDB v10.2 and MariaDB v10.3. |
MariaDB v10.0 | MariaDB v10.1, MariaDB v10.2, and MariaDB v10.3. |
MariaDB v10.1 | MariaDB v10.2, and MariaDB v10.3. |
MariaDB v10.2 | MariaDB v10.3. |
MariaDB v10.3 | It will be upgradable to any new MariaDB version once available on the Cloudways Platform. |
Precautionary Measures Before Upgrading the Database
It is recommended that you upgrade your database when you have less load on the server or during off-peak hours. Also, you need to make sure that all your applications on the server are compatible with the newer version of the database that you are upgrading to. We have extracted the information about the recommended database versions from the concerned Content Management Systems (CMS) itself so you can use this list for reference:
Web Application Names with Versions | Recommended Database Version |
WordPress 5.2.x | MySQL version 5.6 or greater or MariaDB version 10.1 or greater |
WordPress 5.2.x with WooCommerce 3.6.x | MySQL version 5.6 or greater or MariaDB version 10.0 or greater |
Laravel 5.x | MySQL version 5.6 or greater or MariaDB version 10.0 or greater |
Magento 1.9.x.x | MySQL version 5.6 or greater or MariaDB version 10.1 or greater |
Magento 2.3.x | MySQL version 5.6 or greater or MariaDB version 10.1 or greater |
Drupal 7.6.x | MySQL version 5.0 or greater or MariaDB 5.1 or greater |
Drupal 8.6.x | MySQL version 5.5 or greater or MariaDB version 5.5 or greater |
OpenCart 3.0.x.x | MySQL version 5.6 or greater or MariaDB version 10.1 or greater |
PrestaShop 1.7.x.x | MySQL version 5.6 or greater or MariaDB version 10.1 or greater |
Joomla 3.8.xx | MySQL version 5.5 or greater or MariaDB version 5.5 or greater |
How to Upgrade MySQL Database to MariaDB Database
Here are some simple steps to upgrade the MySQL database to the MariaDB database. In this example, we are upgrading MySQL v5.5 to MariaDB v10.1.
Step# 1
Log in to Cloudways Platform, click on the Servers tab from the top menu bar and choose your target server.
Next, select the Settings & Packages option from the left menu bar and click on the Packages tab.
Step# 2
Here, you can upgrade your database version by clicking on the edit button in front of the MySQL option.
Then, choose the newer version from the given choices and hit Save Changes. In this example, we are upgrading to MariaDB v10.1.
You will also get a notification once the database version is successfully upgraded.
Did you know that you can manage your databases using the Cloudways Database Manager?
That’s it! We hope this article was helpful. If you need any help, then feel free to search your query on Cloudways Support Center or contact us via chat (Need a Hand > Send us a Message). Alternatively, you can also create a support ticket.