As of December 28, 2024, all PostgreSQL versions prior to version 13 will transition into extended support. This shift highlights the importance of staying current with supported database versions to ensure optimal performance, security, and access to new features. In this post, we’ll walk you through how to check your database version, upgrade to a newer one, and continue to support your operations with confidence.

Why Upgrade?

Maintaining an up-to-date PostgreSQL version ensures that your database is running with the latest security updates, performance enhancements, and features. Newer versions come with improvements that help your applications scale more efficiently and handle larger workloads.

Older versions will continue to be supported under our Extender Support pricing until their End-of-Life date, See database pricing for more information.

How to Check Your PostgreSQL Version

To ensure you’re running a supported version, checking your database version is easy. Use the following command:

gigalixir pg

This will display all your databases and their versions. If you are using a version prior to PostgreSQL 13, consider planning an upgrade to keep your system up to date.

How to Upgrade Your PostgreSQL Version

Upgrading to a newer PostgreSQL version is a straightforward process that will help you stay current with security updates and new features.

First, ensure you are using CLI 1.13.1 or greater.

gigalixir version

If you need help upgrading your CLI, follow our upgrade instructions.

Consult our full documentation for considerations and best practices when upgrading your database. It is important to consider feature compatibility, extension compatibility, and estimated downtimes before proceeding.

When you are ready to perform the upgrade, identify your database ID with this command:

gigalixir pg

Once you have the database ID, run the following command to initiate the upgrade:

gigalixir pg:upgrade -d $DATABASE_ID VERSION

For example, to upgrade to PostgreSQL 16, you would run:

gigalixir pg:upgrade -d $DATABASE_ID POSTGRES_16

Note: If you’re using a version older than PostgreSQL 13, you’ll need to upgrade to version 13 before upgrading further.

Planning Your Upgrades

By planning your upgrades now, you can ensure your applications continue to run smoothly for years to come.

Upgrading to a supported version of PostgreSQL is a proactive step to ensure the longevity, security, and efficiency of your database infrastructure. While older versions remain available, keeping your systems up to date is key to maintaining the best performance and security.

We encourage you to evaluate your current database version and take action if you’re using a version older than PostgreSQL 13. If you need help with the upgrade process, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

Questions

If you have any questions or concerns about upgrading your database, please reach out to Gigalixir Support.