MySQL cannot process a data packet because it exceeds the max_allowed_packet limit, triggering error 1153 ER_NET_PACKET_TOO_LARGE.
MySQL Error 1153: ER_NET_PACKET_TOO_LARGE happens when a client or server packet exceeds the max_allowed_packet size. Increase max_allowed_packet on both client and server, split large statements, or adjust BLOB handling to clear the error quickly.
Got a packet bigger than 'max_allowed_packet' bytes
MySQL rejects any network packet larger than the configured max_allowed_packet size. When the server or client tries to send a bigger packet, communication breaks and Error 1153 ER_NET_PACKET_TOO_LARGE is returned. The connection may also drop.
The error blocks inserts, updates, SELECT INTO OUTFILE, large BLOB transfers, and even long multi-row statements.
Addressing it is critical to restore stability and prevent data loss.
The error surfaces during query execution or result transfer when the combined SQL text or data payload exceeds the max_allowed_packet threshold. It can appear on high-volume ETL pipelines, bulk inserts, or heavy BLOB reads.
Both the client library and the mysqld server enforce their own limits.
If either side is lower than the actual packet size, the session fails with the same error code.
Repeated 1153 errors can kill long-running jobs, corrupt batch imports, and leave partial transactions. In replication, it may desynchronize master and replica. Fixing the configuration guards performance and data integrity.
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Bulk SQL statements that include thousands of values or very large JSON strings easily exceed default 16 MB limits.
Uploading images, PDFs, or backups into BLOB/TEXT columns without chunking surpasses the packet ceiling.
Queries returning large rows or many columns may overflow the limit during network transfer back to the client.
A high server limit with a low client library limit (or vice versa) still raises the error because both sides validate size.
Replicas using a smaller max_allowed_packet than the source will stop applying large events and raise 1153.
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Yes. The lower of the two limits controls the session. Configure both sides to the required size to stop the error.
No. The variable sets the maximum, not the default buffer size. Memory is allocated only when a large packet is actually processed.
SET GLOBAL max_allowed_packet changes the value immediately, but existing sessions keep their old limit until they reconnect.
Galaxy’s query validator warns when a statement may exceed current packet limits and suggests chunking or parameterization before execution, preventing live failures.
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