SQL Managed Instance - cannot change from free to paid service

Question

SQL Managed Instance - cannot change from free to paid service

Germane 0

DB Status is : Stopped (insufficient free vCore hours)

Free 720h doesn't actually mean that, it's far less, like 10 days or so.

Anyway, I need my Database back online, but I cannot convert it to Paid plan to start it... the only way I can see if to wait until month start, so I can start the database and then change plan...

Please advice how can I get this SQL Managed Instance started....

Adithya Prasad K 1,380 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-03-27T08:52:11.0933333+00:00
Hi Germane,
I'm really sorry you're facing this issue, I completely understand the urgency to get your SQL Managed Instance online again. Let’s explore the options to resolve this quickly:
Option 1: Upgrade to a Paid Plan
Even though your credits have run out, Azure usually allows switching to a paid plan through the portal. However, since you’re unable to convert your instance to a paid plan due to its "stopped" status, try this workaround:

Create a New Paid Instance: Use the Azure portal to deploy a new SQL Managed Instance on a paid plan (e.g., General Purpose or Business Critical).

Restore Data: Restore your database backup from the free instance to the new paid instance. You can do this through the Recovery Services Vault or by using T-SQL commands.

Start Operations: With the new instance running, you can continue working. The free instance will remain stopped until credits reset, and you can decide whether to keep or delete it later.

This option allows you to bypass the downtime, though it does involve some cost.
I would request you to refer the below mentioned links for more information
-Upgrade to paid instance

Option 2: Wait for Credits to Reset

If creating a paid instance isn’t feasible, the only alternative is waiting for your free credits to renew on April 1st. Once they reset, you can manually start your instance and:

Upgrade to a paid plan immediately to avoid this issue next month.

Manually stop the instance during inactive periods to stretch your free hours over the month.

I hope one of these options helps. If you'd like further guidance on creating a new instance or restoring backups, let me know!
Adithya Prasad K 1,380 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-03-28T09:00:05.7333333+00:00

Hi Germane,

We haven’t heard from you on the last response and was just checking back to see if you have a resolution yet. In case if you have any resolution please do share that same with the community as it can be helpful to others. Otherwise, will respond with more details and we will try to help.
Adithya Prasad K 1,380 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-03-31T16:32:02.21+00:00

Hi Germane,

We haven’t heard from you on the last response and was just checking back to see if you have a resolution yet. In case if you have any resolution please do share that same with the community as it can be helpful to others. Otherwise, will respond with more details and we will try to help.