Command
aws rds start-db-instance --db-instance-identifier mydbExplanation
Starts a stopped RDS database instance. Only available for RDS instances that support start/stop operations (non-Aurora engines).
Common Use Cases
- •Reducing costs by starting databases only during business hours
- •Manually starting staging or development RDS instances
Best Practices
- ✓Schedule start/stop cycles using AWS Lambda or EventBridge
- ✓Ensure the RDS instance type supports stop/start functionality
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ⚠Trying to start Aurora clusters (use `start-db-cluster` instead)
- ⚠Using incorrect DB instance identifier
Troubleshooting
Problem: Instance not starting
Solution: Check instance state and ensure it’s in ‘stopped’ state.
Problem: Access denied
Solution: Verify IAM permissions for `rds:StartDBInstance`.
Examples
Start the RDS instance named mydb
aws rds start-db-instance --db-instance-identifier mydb