How to manage Database Instance nodes

Reviewed on August 07, 2025

You can change your Database Instance node type and enable High Availability after the nodes have been created.

Before you start

To complete the actions presented below, you must have:

• A Scaleway account logged into the console
• Owner status or IAM permissions allowing you to perform actions in the intended Organization
• A PostgreSQL or MySQL Database Instance

How to change the node type

1. Click PostgreSQL and MySQL under Databases on the side menu. A list of your Database Instances displays.
2. Select the geographical region of the Instance you want to manage from the drop-down.
3. Click the name of the Database Instance you want to configure. Your database's Overview page displays.
4. Scroll down to the Node settings section. Then, click Change node type.
5. Choose the specifications of the new Database Instance from the drop-down list.
6. Click Update node type to confirm your choices.
   Important

   Keep in mind that:

   • Changing the node type performs a rolling upgrade of your Database Instance.
   • During this process, the Database Instance will be unavailable for several seconds.
   • The Instance stays in Initializing mode throughout the process.
   • If you use local storage:
     • Make sure that the Database Instance you choose provides sufficient disk space for your database. Otherwise, an error message will be displayed, and the database will not be upgraded.
     • The process can take longer than expected, but the unavailability period of the Instance will be short. This means that the Database Instance remains mostly available during the entire process, except for a few seconds.

How to enable High Availability

You define your Database Instance's node configuration upon its creation. Two node configuration modes are available with PostgreSQL or MySQL Database Instances.

• High Availability: creates a secondary Instance with an up-to-date replica of the database. If the primary Instance fails, the secondary takes over requests.
• Standalone: a standalone database provisioned on a single node.

If you are in standalone mode, you can change the node configuration to High Availability in the console at any time.

Before you start

To complete the actions presented below, you must have:

• A Scaleway account logged into the console
• Owner status or IAM permissions allowing you to perform actions in the intended Organization
• A PostgreSQL or MySQL Database Instance in standalone mode.

1. Click PostgreSQL and MySQL under Databases on the side menu. A list of your Database Instances displays.

2. Select the geographical region of the Instance you want to manage from the drop-down.

3. Click the name of the Database Instance you want to configure. Your database's Overview page displays.

4. Scroll down to the Node settings section. Then, click Activate High Availability.

5. Review the new estimated cost.

6. Click Activate.

   Note

   Keep in mind that:

   • Changing the node type performs a rolling upgrade of your Database Instance.
   • During this process, the Database Instance will be unavailable for several seconds.
   • The Instance stays in Initializing mode throughout the process and all console actions are unavailable.
   • If you use local storage the process can take longer than expected, but the unavailability period of the Instance will be short. This means that the Database Instance remains mostly available during the entire process, except for a few seconds.