ER_SP_DROP_FAILED is raised when MySQL cannot drop a stored procedure, function, or event because of missing privileges, existing references, or internal dictionary issues.
MySQL Error 1306: ER_SP_DROP_FAILED happens when the server cannot drop a stored routine. Check for dependent objects, confirm DROP ROUTINE privilege, flush metadata, then retry the DROP command to fix the problem.
Failed to DROP %s %s
The exact error text is: ERROR 1306 (HY000): Failed to DROP %s %s. MySQL returns it when a DROP PROCEDURE, DROP FUNCTION, or DROP EVENT statement cannot remove the named routine from the data dictionary.
The failure usually indicates that the routine is still referenced, the user lacks DROP ROUTINE privilege, or MySQL metadata is inconsistent. Fixing it is essential because the leftover routine can block re-creation and confuse deployment scripts.
ER_SP_DROP_FAILED most often stems from missing privileges on the routine or schema. MySQL blocks the DROP when the invoking account does not hold the DROP ROUTINE privilege.
Another frequent trigger is dependency chains. Views, triggers, or other routines that call the target procedure stop MySQL from deleting it until those references are removed.
Metadata corruption or an interrupted previous DROP can also desynchronize the mysql system schema, forcing MySQL to raise the error.
First, verify that you hold the correct privilege: SHOW GRANTS FOR CURRENT_USER;. If DROP ROUTINE is missing, have an administrator grant it.
Next, search for dependent objects with INFORMATION_SCHEMA.ROUTINES and INFORMATION_SCHEMA.TRIGGERS. Alter or drop those objects, then retry the DROP statement.
If inconsistencies remain, run FLUSH PRIVILEGES; and mysql_upgrade to refresh metadata. As a last resort, manually delete the row from mysql.proc after stopping the server and backing up the tables.
During CI/CD, a migration may attempt to recreate a procedure with the same name. Adding DROP PROCEDURE IF EXISTS before CREATE PROCEDURE ensures idempotency and eliminates the error.
In replication setups, a routine dropped on the primary but still used on a replica can surface ER_SP_DROP_FAILED. Confirm that all replicas have applied the same DDL sequence.
Always include dependency checks in deployment scripts and drop referencing objects first. Use naming conventions so routines are not accidentally reused.
Grant the least-privilege model: give DROP ROUTINE only to release pipelines or DBAs. Capture routine definitions in version control so they can be restored if a drop fails.
Error 1304 ER_SP_ALREADY_EXISTS appears when attempting to create a routine that already exists; pair it with IF NOT EXISTS clauses.
Error 1305 ER_SP_DOES_NOT_EXIST triggers when calling a nonexistent routine; refresh privileges or check the spelling.
The executing account lacks the DROP ROUTINE privilege on the routine or its schema, so MySQL denies the drop.
Views, triggers, events, or other stored routines reference the target routine, preventing safe removal.
Stale rows in mysql.proc or dictionary tables cause MySQL to fail when updating internal metadata.
A replica still uses the routine while the primary attempts to drop it, leading to conflict on statement-based replication.
Raised when attempting to create a routine that already exists. Use CREATE OR REPLACE or drop it first.
Occurs when calling a routine MySQL cannot find. Confirm schema and name spelling.
Appears during data inserts when a value exceeds column limits, unrelated but commonly seen in migrations.
No. Missing privileges are common but dependencies or corrupted metadata can also block the drop.
Not directly. You must clear dependencies and ensure privileges, or in extreme cases edit mysql.proc offline.
Galaxy highlights dependencies in the sidebar and checks your privileges before running DROP statements, reducing the chance of the error.
Only after full backups and downtime. Manual edits risk data dictionary corruption.
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