MySQL Error 1561 ER_NDB_CANT_SWITCH_BINLOG_FORMAT - Causes, Fixes, and Prevention

August 7, 2025

<p>The NDB Cluster engine cannot change binlog_format while the server is running, triggering error 1561.</p>

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What is MySQL error 1561 ER_NDB_CANT_SWITCH_BINLOG_FORMAT?

<p>MySQL Error 1561: ER_NDB_CANT_SWITCH_BINLOG_FORMAT occurs when you try to change binlog_format in an NDB Cluster instance while MySQL is running. NDB only supports a fixed ROW format, so restart mysqld with --binlog-format=ROW (or remove NDB) to clear the error.</p>

Error Highlights

Typical Error Message

The NDB cluster engine does not support changing the

Error Type

Configuration Error

Language

MySQL

Symbol

ER_NDB_CANT_SWITCH_BINLOG_FORMAT

Error Code

1561

SQL State

HY000

Explanation

Example H2

Example H3

What is MySQL Error 1561: ER_NDB_CANT_SWITCH_BINLOG_FORMAT?

Error 1561 is raised when a MySQL server running the NDB storage engine receives a request to change the global binlog_format variable after startup.

NDB Cluster requires binary logs to stay in ROW format for replication consistency. Because the engine cannot rewrite existing logs, MySQL rejects on-the-fly changes and throws ER_NDB_CANT_SWITCH_BINLOG_FORMAT.

When Does the Error Appear?

The error surfaces most often during a SET GLOBAL binlog_format statement, a change through MySQL Workbench, or an automation script that toggles the format for logical backups.

It can also appear during an online configuration toggle in tools like Percona Toolkit or Cluster Manager if NDB tables exist.

Why Is Fixing It Important?

Ignoring the error leaves binlog changes unapplied, which may break logical replication jobs or automated export workflows.

Repeated failed attempts can clutter logs, mask other replication problems, and waste operational time.

Common Causes

Changing binlog_format at Runtime

Running SET GLOBAL binlog_format=MIXED or STATEMENT while NDB tables are present triggers the error immediately.

Automated Backup Scripts

Backup tools that switch to STATEMENT format for mysqldump compatibility will fail in NDB environments.

Configuration Management Systems

CM tools such as Ansible or Chef may attempt to align binlog_format across fleets without detecting the storage engine in use.

Related Errors

MySQL Error 1236: Could not find first log file name in binary log index

Appears when replication slaves cannot locate the next binlog because of format mismatches.

MySQL Error 1595: Loading from a MySQL dump file requires ROW format

Occurs during restores when the dump file was created under a different binlog format.

MySQL Error 1622: Error when running work item with statement-based binlogging

Surfaces when statement replication tries to change NDB tables.

FAQs

Can I bypass the error without restarting?

No. NDB does not allow dynamic binlog_format changes. A restart with the correct format is mandatory.

Is STATEMENT or MIXED format ever supported on NDB?

No. NDB Cluster requires ROW format to guarantee deterministic replication.

Will changing engine types fix the issue?

Yes. Migrating all NDB tables to InnoDB removes the restriction, allowing dynamic format changes.

How does Galaxy help?

Galaxy surfaces storage-engine metadata in the editor, alerts you before running unsafe SET statements, and can embed restart instructions into shared runbooks.

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