# Redis version management

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  "schema_version": 2,
  "title": "Redis version management",
  "description": "Describes Redis Cloud supported database versions and upgrade options.",
  "categories": ["docs","operate","rc"],
  "tableOfContents": {"sections":[{"id":"redis-version-structure","title":"Redis version structure"},{"id":"version-support-models","title":"Version support models"},{"id":"supported-database-versions","title":"Supported database versions"},{"children":[{"id":"plan-differences","title":"Plan differences"}],"id":"version-selection","title":"Version selection"},{"id":"manual-upgrades","title":"Manual upgrades"},{"id":"faq","title":"FAQ"}]}

,
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}
```


Redis Cloud provides comprehensive database version management that prioritizes customer control over major changes. 

> [!NOTE]
> This page describes database version management for Redis Cloud. Redis Cloud manages the cluster version for you automatically.

## Redis version structure

Redis uses a **MAJOR.MINOR.PATCH** versioning scheme:

- **Major versions**: Significant changes that may include breaking changes (e.g., Redis 7 → Redis 8)
- **Minor versions**: New features and improvements within a major version (e.g., 8.2 → 8.4 → 8.6)
- **Patch versions**: Bug fixes and security updates (e.g., 8.2.1 → 8.2.2)

## Version support models

Redis Cloud supports the following version support models:

- **Long-Term Support (LTS)** versions are the second and last minor versions in a major version. LTS versions on Redis Cloud get 5 years of extended support, including security updates and major bug fixes.
- **Short-Term Support (STS)** versions are all minor releases except the second and last minor versions in a major version. STS versions on Redis Cloud are supported for 6 months after the release of the following version.

When a Redis version reaches **End-of-Life (EOL)**, Redis Cloud will automatically upgrade your database to the next minor version during maintenance windows if you do not manually upgrade before EOL.

## Supported database versions

> [!NOTE]
> **We strongly recommend using the latest available database version** to benefit from the newest features, performance improvements, and security updates.

| Version | Support model | Status | EOL Date | Plans |
|---------|--------|--------|----------|-------|
| **Redis 8.6** | STS | GA | TBD | Essentials, Pro |
| **Redis 8.4** | STS | GA | January 1, 2027 | Essentials, Pro | 
| **Redis 8.2** | LTS | GA | September 1, 2030 | Essentials, Pro |
| **Redis 8.0** | STS | Preview | December 1, 2026 | Essentials<sup>[1](#table-note-1)</sup> |
| **Redis 7.4** | LTS | GA | December 1, 2029 | Essentials, Pro |
| **Redis 7.2** | LTS | GA | December 1, 2029 | Essentials, Pro |
| **Redis 6.2** | LTS | GA | April 1, 2027 | Pro |

1. <a name="table-note-1" style="display: block; height: 80px; margin-top: -80px;"></a> Redis 8.0 is not available for new databases.

When a database version reaches End-of-Life (EOL), Redis Cloud will automatically upgrade your database to the following minor version during maintenance windows if you do not manually upgrade before EOL.

## Version selection

When creating a database, you select the database version (e.g., Redis 8.2). Redis Cloud automatically provides the latest patch version within that version.

For existing databases, minor version auto-upgrades apply differently by plan:

- **Essentials**: Minor version auto-upgrades apply for all Redis versions.
- **Pro**: Minor version auto-upgrades apply for Redis 8.4 and later only (with opt-out available). For Redis 8.2 and earlier, minor upgrades must be done manually.

See [Upgrade database version](https://redis.io/docs/latest/operate/rc/databases/version-management/upgrade-version) for more details.

### Plan differences

| Feature | Essentials | Pro |
|---------|------------|-----|
| Minor version auto-upgrades | All versions, always enabled | Redis 8.4+ only, default enabled (can disable) |
| Major version upgrades | Customer controlled | Customer controlled |
| Manual upgrades | Major upgrades only | Yes |
| [Automatic upgrade time](https://redis.io/docs/latest/operate/rc/subscriptions/maintenance) | Standard - between 12 AM and 6 AM region time | Configurable - [Set maintenance windows](https://redis.io/docs/latest/operate/rc/subscriptions/maintenance/set-maintenance-windows) |

## Manual upgrades

You can update your databases to a later version if by selecting **More actions** > **Version upgrade** from the database list or database page.

Before upgrading, you should:

- Review the [release notes](https://redis.io/docs/latest/operate/rc/changelog/version-release-notes) for your target version and all versions in between to ensure compatibility with your applications.
- [Back up your data](https://redis.io/docs/latest/operate/rc/databases/back-up-data), review [breaking changes](https://redis.io/docs/latest/operate/rc/changelog/version-release-notes).
- Upgrade your staging or QA database before upgrading your production database.

See [Upgrade database version](https://redis.io/docs/latest/operate/rc/databases/version-management/upgrade-version) for detailed instructions.

## FAQ

**Can I prevent minor version auto-upgrades?**
Pro users can opt out of minor version auto-upgrades for Redis 8.4+. 

**What if I don't upgrade before EOL?**
Redis Cloud will force upgrade after notifications during your next maintenance window to ensure security and support.

**Can I downgrade?**
Automatically reverting to a previous Redis version is not supported on Redis Cloud. See [Manually revert upgrade](https://redis.io/docs/latest/operate/rc/databases/version-management/upgrade-version#manually-revert-upgrade) for more details.

**How do I identify LTS vs STS?**
Check the [supported versions table](#supported-versions).