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Databases play a crucial role in ensuring the stability and performance of your web applications. If you’re looking to upgrade MySQL, MariaDB, or PostgreSQL on your RunCloud server to improve security, optimize performance, or maintain compatibility with newer applications, it’s important to follow a proper upgrade process. Below are the key steps and best practices to help you prepare before upgrading your database on RunCloud:

1. Supported Database Engines

RunCloud officially supports MariaDB and MySQL as its default database servers. However, it does not offer built-in support for PostgreSQL. While MariaDB and MySQL are fully integrated with RunCloud’s management tools, other database engines, such as PostgreSQL, are not officially supported and may not function seamlessly within the platform.

If you need a different database engine, you will have to set it up manually outside of RunCloud’s management features, but this would be at your own risk and without official support. Note that RunCloud recently introduced MySQL support for its servers on February 14, 2025. For newly connected servers using the latest stable version, MySQL 8.4.4, you now have the option to choose between MariaDB and MySQL when connecting a server to RunCloud.


2. Essential Precautions Before Upgrading MariaDB

Upgrading MariaDB is a critical process that can impact your database’s stability and application compatibility. To ensure a smooth transition, consider the following precautions:

i) Backup: Before making any changes, always perform a full backup of your database. This ensures that you have a recovery point in case of unexpected issues or data loss during the upgrade process.

ii) Check Compatibility: Ensure that your applications, plugins, and frameworks support the new MariaDB version. Compatibility issues can lead to unexpected errors, broken functionality, or performance issues, so verifying this beforehand is essential.

3. MariaDB upgrade on Containerized server on RunCloud

RunCloud’s containerized server stack offers a convenient way to upgrade MariaDB directly from the dashboard without needing manual intervention. This feature allows users to switch to a newer MariaDB version seamlessly.

1. Log in to your RunCloud Dashboard

2. Navigate to your Containerized Server > Services > MariaDB
3. Select the desired MariaDB version from the available options

4. Click on the Save button to apply the changes
5. Click the Deploy button at the top right of the Containerized dashboard and wait for the upgrade process to finish.

Note: Do not downgrade your MariaDB version after upgrading it. This can cause your database to crash, and it may not be possible to recover. 

Steps for upgrading the MariaDB version

Disclaimer: Proceed with Caution When Upgrading MariaDB

Upgrading MariaDB carries the risk of data loss or database corruption, and you are solely responsible for any issues that may arise. To ensure a smooth upgrade, we highly recommend performing the process under the guidance of a qualified database administrator. Always take a full backup before proceeding to prevent potential data loss.

Step 1: Check the Current Version

Before proceeding, check the currently installed MariaDB version:

mariadb –version

To list all installed MariaDB packages:

dpkg -l | grep mariadb

Step 2: Stop the MariaDB Service

Before upgrading, stop the running MariaDB service:

systemctl stop mariadb

Step 3: Add the MariaDB Repository

Remove the Old Repository

To avoid conflicts, remove the existing MariaDB repository:

sudo rm -f /etc/apt/sources.list.d/mariadb.list

Add the New Repository

Next, add the correct repository based on your Ubuntu version. You can find the latest MariaDB repositories at:

MariaDB Official Repository

For example, to add MariaDB 11.8 for Ubuntu 22.04 (Jammy):

sudo add-apt-repository ‘deb [arch=amd64,arm64,ppc64el] https://mirror.mariadb.org/repo/11.8/ubuntu jammy main’

For Ubuntu 20.04 (Focal):

sudo add-apt-repository ‘deb [arch=amd64,arm64,ppc64el] https://mirror.mariadb.org/repo/11.8/ubuntu focal main’

Step 4: Update Packages and Upgrade MariaDB

Refresh package lists:

apt update

Then, install the latest MariaDB version without affecting your databases:

apt install mariadb-server mariadb-client -y

Confirm the installation by checking the version:

mariadb –version

Step 5: Restart MariaDB and Run the Upgrade Script

Start the MariaDB service:

systemctl start mariadb

Run the MariaDB upgrade script to ensure compatibility with the new version:

mariadb-upgrade -u root -p

Step 6: Verify That Everything is Working

Check if MariaDB is running properly:

systemctl status mariadb

Finally, confirm that your databases are intact:

mariadb -u root -p -e “SHOW DATABASES;”