upgrade Lightsail MySQL DB says mysql_8_0 not a valid upgrade target

When upgrading a Lightsail MySQL database from version 5.7.44 to MySQL 8, you're encountering an error indicating that "mysql_8_0" is not a valid upgrade target. This issue could be occurring for several reasons.

First, make sure you're using the correct blueprint ID format. The blueprint ID for MySQL 8.0 should be "mysql_8_0". Double-check that there are no typos or extra spaces in your command.

Several potential issues could be causing this error:

1. Compatibility issues: There might be specific configurations or features in your current database that are incompatible with MySQL 8.0. MySQL 8.0 introduces significant changes that might not be compatible with your current setup.

2. Resource constraints: Verify that your Lightsail database instance has sufficient resources to handle the upgrade. Major version upgrades can be resource-intensive.

3. Database configuration: Check for any invalid characters, deprecated features, or other elements in your database that might be causing compatibility issues.

4. Network issues: The "Got packets out of order" error that some users have reported during upgrades suggests potential network connectivity problems during the upgrade process.

To troubleshoot this issue:

1. Run the MySQL update checker to identify any potential compatibility issues.

2. Create a snapshot of your database before attempting the upgrade again.

3. Verify the exact command you're using. It should look like:

aws lightsail update-relational-database \
--relational-database-name YourDatabaseName \
--relational-database-blueprint-id mysql_8_0 \
--region YourDatabaseRegion

4. Consider creating a test database from a snapshot of your production database and attempt the upgrade on this test instance first.

If you successfully performed a similar upgrade in August 2024, it's possible that either your database configuration has changed since then, or there might be a temporary issue with the Lightsail service. If you continue to experience problems after trying these steps, contacting AWS Support might be necessary for more specific guidance.
Sources
Error when updating lightsail database MySQL | AWS re:Post
Upgrade the major version of a Lightsail database - Amazon Lightsail