sp_removedbreplication (Transact-SQL)
Applies to: 
SQL Server
Azure SQL Managed Instance
This stored procedure removes all replication objects on the publication database on the Publisher instance of SQL Server, or on the subscription database on the Subscriber instance of SQL Server. Execute sp_removedbreplication in the appropriate database, or, if the execution is in the context of another database on the same instance, specify the database where the replication objects should be removed. This procedure doesn't remove objects from other databases, such as the distribution database.
This procedure should be used only if other methods of removing replication objects have failed.
Transact-SQL syntax conventions
Syntax
sp_removedbreplication
[ [ @dbname = ] N'dbname' ]
[ , [ @type = ] N'type' ]
[ ; ]
Arguments
[ @dbname = ] N'dbname'
The name of the database. @dbname is sysname, with a default of NULL. When NULL, the current database is used.
[ @type = ] N'type'
The type of replication for which database objects are being removed. @type is nvarchar(5), and can be one of the following values.
| Value | Description |
|---|---|
tran |
Removes transactional replication publishing objects. |
merge |
Removes merge replication publishing objects. |
both (default) |
Removes all replication publishing objects. |
Return code values
0 (success) or 1 (failure).
Remarks
sp_removedbreplication is used in all types of replication.
sp_removedbreplication is useful when restoring a replicated database that's no replication objects needing to be restored.
sp_removedbreplication can't be used against a database that is marked as read-only.
Permissions
Only members of the sysadmin fixed server role can execute sp_removedbreplication.
Examples
Remove replication objects in the AdventureWorks2022 replica subscription database.
-- Remove replication objects from the subscription database on MYSUB.
DECLARE @subscriptionDB AS sysname
SET @subscriptionDB = N'AdventureWorks2022Replica'
-- Remove replication objects from a subscription database (if necessary).
USE master
EXEC sp_removedbreplication @subscriptionDB
GO