Converting database type

You can convert a SQLite database to a better performing MySQL, MariaDB or PostgreSQL database with the Nextcloud command line tool. SQLite is good for testing and simple single-user Nextcloud servers, but it does not scale for multiple-user production users.

Run the conversion

First set up the new database, here called “new_db_name”. In Nextcloud root folder call

php occ db:convert-type [options] type username hostname database

The Options

  • --port="3306" the database port (optional)

  • --password="mysql_user_password" password for the new database. If omitted the tool will ask you (optional)

  • --clear-schema clear schema (optional)

  • --all-apps by default, tables for enabled apps are converted, use to convert also tables of deactivated apps (optional)

  • -n, --no-interaction do not ask any interactive question

Note: The converter searches for apps in your configured app folders and uses the schema definitions in the apps to create the new table. So tables of removed apps will not be converted even with option --all-apps

For example

php occ db:convert-type --all-apps mysql oc_mysql_user 127.0.0.1 new_db_name

To successfully proceed with the conversion, you must type yes when prompted with the question Continue with the conversion?

On success the converter will automatically configure the new database in your Nextcloud config config.php.

Inconvertible tables

If you updated your Nextcloud instance, there might be remnants of old tables which are not used any more. The updater will tell you which ones these are.

The following tables will not be converted:
oc_permissions
...

You can ignore these tables. Here is a list of known old tables:

  • oc_calendar_calendars

  • oc_calendar_objects

  • oc_calendar_share_calendar

  • oc_calendar_share_event

  • oc_fscache

  • oc_log

  • oc_media_albums

  • oc_media_artists

  • oc_media_sessions

  • oc_media_songs

  • oc_media_users

  • oc_permissions

  • oc_privatedata - this table was later added again by the app privatedata (https://apps.nextcloud.com/apps/privatedata) and is safe to be removed if that app is not enabled

  • oc_queuedtasks

  • oc_sharing