Migrate Managed MySQL and PostgreSQL Databases from DO to UpCloud

Learn more about MySQL and PostgreSQL migration from DO to UpCloud. Our experienced DigitalOcean support team is ready to assist.

Migrate Managed MySQL and PostgreSQL Databases from DO to UpCloud

Migrating a managed MySQL or PostgreSQL database from DigitalOcean to UpCloud is now easier than ever with UpCloud’s intuitive built-in migration tool.

This tool offers both simple data dumps and live replication, whether we are moving a test environment or a critical production database, helping us minimize downtime and preserve data integrity.

Today, we will walk through the complete migration process, from preparation to verification.

Prerequisites

Before diving into the migration steps, check off these prerequisites:

• A Managed Database service (MySQL or PostgreSQL) running on UpCloud.
• Connection credentials for the DigitalOcean database (connection URI or manual config).
• The source database is accessible from UpCloud’s network.
• Documented all existing database users (since user accounts aren’t migrated automatically).
• Use the `doadmin` user for MySQL or a PostgreSQL superuser with full privileges.
• Backups of the data.
• A testing environment ready to validate the migration before going live.

If you’re recovering from a data loss scenario before this migration, you may want to explore how to recover a deleted droplet in DigitalOcean to safeguard your setup.

Step-by-Step: Migrating Databases Using UpCloud

1. First, log in to the UpCloud Control Panel.
2. Then, go to the Managed Database service.
3. Click on the Settings tab.
4. Scroll to the Migration section and click “Set up database migration.”
5. Now, go to the DigitalOcean dashboard and locate the connection string under Connection Details in the Overview tab.
6. Then, reveal the password and ensure the connection uses:
   • User: `doadmin`
   • Database: `defaultdb` (used only to initiate the connection)

   The `doadmin` user in DigitalOcean has full privileges.
7. Next, paste the full connection URI into the UpCloud setup window.
8. Now, it is time to choose the Migration method. UpCloud offers two primary methods:
   • Dump method (`mysqldump` / `pg_dump`) – This is the simplest approach, ideal for most use cases.
   • Replication method – It offers live synchronization during migration, helpful for zero-downtime cutovers.

   Additional options include:

   • Ignore databases: Exclude specific databases from being migrated.
   • Use SSL: Highly recommended for secure data transfer, especially over the public internet.
9. Then, click “Verify requirements” to run a pre-check. This ensures the connection is valid and that the source server meets all technical requirements for the chosen migration method.
10. If everything checks out, click “Start migration” to begin the process. We can view the real-time status updates in the progress window.

The Migration time will vary depending on the data size and database complexity.

If you’re connecting your app domain during this process, you might find this guide on linking a GoDaddy domain to a DigitalOcean droplet helpful.

Finalizing the Migration

Once the migration status shows complete:

1. Connect to the new UpCloud database and review key tables and records.
2. As UpCloud does not migrate user accounts, manually recreate them with proper permissions.
3. Then, point the app to the new database by updating connection details.
4. Once everything is working well, turn off replication in the settings panel.

If you’re deploying apps post-migration, consider referencing this Spring Boot deployment guide for a smooth rollout.

Post-Migration Verification

To ensure a successful migration:

• Connect to the new database and inspect all critical data.
• Test the application’s functionality against the new database.
• Confirm user permissions are properly set.
• Monitor performance to verify everything is stable.

[Need assistance with a different issue? Our team is available 24/7.]

Conclusion

Migrating from DigitalOcean to UpCloud is easy with the right planning and tools. By preparing the environment, using UpCloud’s migration utility, and carefully validating your data, we can minimize downtime and ensure a seamless transition.

This guide, created by our Support Engineers, outlines the process of migrating from MySQL and PostgreSQL to UpCloud.