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Database Upgrade Process

Follow these steps to upgrade the database:

Step 1: Prepare for Upgrade​

Ensure you have recent backups and verify backup configuration:

Using Azure Portal​

  1. Navigate to Azure Database for PostgreSQL Flexible Server → Servers
  2. Select your PostgreSQL 13 instance
  3. Go to Settings → Backup and restore
  4. Verify Automated backup retention period (recommend 7-35 days)
  5. Note the backup schedule and ensure recent backups exist

Using Azure CLI​

# Verify backup configuration
az postgres flexible-server show \
  --resource-group your-resource-group \
  --name your-server-name \
  --query "backup"

# Create an on-demand backup (if needed)
az postgres flexible-server backup \
  --resource-group your-resource-group \
  --name your-server-name \
  --backup-name pre-upgrade-backup-$(date +%Y%m%d)

Step 2: Upgrade Azure PostgreSQL to 16​

  1. Navigate to PostgreSQL Flexible Server:
    • Go to Azure Portal → Azure Database for PostgreSQL Flexible Server
  2. Select Your Database Instance:
    • Click on your PostgreSQL 13 database instance
  3. Verify Server Status:
    • Ensure server status is Available
    • Verify no ongoing maintenance operations
  4. Start Upgrade Process:
    • In the Overview section, look for upgrade notifications or Upgrade button
    • Click Upgrade
  5. Choose Database Version:
    • Current version will show: PostgreSQL 13.x
    • Target version: Select PostgreSQL 16
    • Review important upgrade notes:
      • ⚠️ The major version upgrade action is irreversible
      • Server name remains unchanged after upgrade
      • Minor version will be set to the most recent supported
  6. Confirm and Execute:
    • Review all settings and implications
    • Click Upgrade to begin the process
  7. Monitor Upgrade Progress:
    • Server status will show Updating during upgrade
    • Upgrade typically takes 15-45 minutes depending on database size
    • Wait for status to return to Available
    • Verify PostgreSQL version shows 16.x in server details

Using Azure CLI​

# Upgrade your Azure PostgreSQL Flexible Server to version 16
az postgres flexible-server upgrade \
  --resource-group your-resource-group \
  --name your-server-name \
  --version 16

# Monitor upgrade progress
az postgres flexible-server show \
  --resource-group your-resource-group \
  --name your-server-name \
  --query "{name:name,state:state,version:version}"

Step 3: SSL Configuration (Required)​

note

Azure Database for PostgreSQL Flexible Server requires SSL connections. The environment variable PGSSLMODE=require is mandatory for connecting to Azure PostgreSQL databases.

Azure PostgreSQL Flexible Server automatically handles SSL/TLS encryption. No additional certificate files are required, but you must configure your application to require SSL connections.