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How to Migrate a Database from AWS to Google Cloud?

Moving a database from AWS to Google Cloud can seem complex, but with a clear plan, it becomes manageable. This guide will walk through the steps needed to successfully transfer your data, ensuring minimal downtime and data integrity.

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Published onJuly 28, 2025
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How to Migrate a Database from AWS to Google Cloud?

Moving a database from AWS to Google Cloud can seem complex, but with a clear plan, it becomes manageable. This guide will walk through the steps needed to successfully transfer your data, ensuring minimal downtime and data integrity.

Planning Your Migration

Before starting the migration, it’s important to prepare. Identify which database systems you are using, such as MySQL, PostgreSQL, or SQL Server. Understand the size of your database, any specific configurations, and dependencies.

Create a backup of your current database. This backup will serve as a safety net and a baseline during the migration process. Document your current setup, including connection details, users, and permissions.

Decide on your target Google Cloud services. Options include Cloud SQL, Cloud Spanner, or deploying databases on Compute Engine. Choose based on your workload requirements, scalability needs, and budget.

Preparing Your Google Cloud Environment

Set up your Google Cloud project and enable the necessary APIs. Create the target database instance with configurations matching your current setup as closely as possible.

Configure network settings to allow connectivity between your current environment and Google Cloud. Depending on security requirements, set up a Virtual Private Cloud (VPC), firewalls, and VPN or Interconnect if needed.

Create database user accounts with appropriate privileges on the Google Cloud instance, matching your current access controls. This setup will facilitate a smooth transition.

Data Migration Methods

There are two primary data transfer methods: dump and restore, or live replication.

Dump and Restore

This method involves creating a dump file of your database. For example, use mysqldump for MySQL or pg_dump for PostgreSQL. Transfer the dump file to Google Cloud, then restore it on the target database.

Advantages include simplicity and control. It works well for smaller databases or one-time migrations.

Live Replication

For minimal downtime, set up replication from your AWS database to Google Cloud. Configure replication tools like MySQL Replication, PostgreSQL Streaming Replication, or third-party tools like SymmetricDS.

Once synchronization is complete, switch your applications to connect to the new database. This method reduces downtime but may be more complex to set up.

Transferring the Data

For dump and restore, use secure copy methods such as gsutil, scp, or cloud storage buckets to transfer dump files.

For live replication, configure the replication process. Ensure data consistency by verifying the replication status before switching.

Testing

After migration, perform thorough testing. Verify data integrity, run sample queries, and check application connectivity. Confirm that all data has been transferred correctly and that permissions and configurations are intact.

Monitor performance and error logs for any anomalies. Testing helps catch issues early and reduces surprises when going live.

Switching Over

Once you are satisfied with testing, update your application to point to the new Google Cloud database. Ensure the old database remains available during this transition to avoid service disruption.

Monitor the application closely after switching over. Be prepared to revert back temporarily if any critical issues occur.

Final Steps

After confirming a successful migration, decommission the old database setup. Clean up any temporary files or configurations used during the migration.

Keep backups of your original database until you are certain the new environment is stable. Regularly review your new database setup to optimize performance and security.

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