The storage engine you are using does not support master key rotation, so MySQL aborts the operation.
MySQL Error 3179 ER_MASTER_KEY_ROTATION_NOT_SUPPORTED_BY_SE means the current storage engine cannot rotate the InnoDB master encryption key. Switch the table to InnoDB or another supported engine, then run ALTER INSTANCE ROTATE INNODB MASTER KEY to resolve the issue.
ER_MASTER_KEY_ROTATION_NOT_SUPPORTED_BY_SE
Error 3179 fires when you execute ALTER INSTANCE ROTATE INNODB MASTER KEY, or a similar statement, on a table that uses a storage engine that does not implement encryption key rotation. MySQL aborts the request and returns the condition ER_MASTER_KEY_ROTATION_NOT_SUPPORTED_BY_SE.
The error appears from MySQL 5.7.11 onward, when transparent data encryption (TDE) and key rotation were introduced. Fixing it is crucial because unrotated keys leave encrypted data vulnerable and block compliance workflows.
The primary trigger is the presence of tables that are not managed by InnoDB or another engine with TDE support. When MySQL scans all tables for key rotation, any unsupported engine raises the condition.
Another cause is plugin mis-configuration: a custom storage engine was loaded without the key rotation capability flag. Finally, forgotten test tables created in a legacy engine can also block rotation.
The quickest remedy is to convert offending tables to InnoDB, then rerun the rotation command. If conversion is impossible, drop or archive those tables first. Alternatively, exclude unsupported engines by using separate schemas and rotating keys only on compliant schemas.
After structural changes, rerun ALTER INSTANCE ROTATE INNODB MASTER KEY and verify that the rotation completes without errors.
Mixed-engine databases upgraded from MyISAM to InnoDB often hit this error during first key rotation. Converting legacy MyISAM tables with ALTER TABLE tbl ENGINE=InnoDB resolves it.
Third-party storage engines such as TokuDB also cause the error. Either upgrade the plugin to a version that supports key rotation or migrate data back to InnoDB before rotating.
Standardize on InnoDB for all permanent tables. Audit new object creation with a DDL trigger or CI check to block unsupported engines. Schedule periodic scans using INFORMATION_SCHEMA to detect rogue engines before key rotation day.
Using Galaxy’s modern SQL editor, teams can save an approved conversion script, endorse it, and share it across projects, ensuring consistent engine usage and eliminating surprises at rotation time.
Error 3180 ER_MASTER_KEY_ROTATION_ERROR occurs when the keyring plugin fails during rotation. Check keyring configuration and plugin status.
Error 3200 ER_TCL_BROKEN_SESSION indicates transactional issues during encryption operations. Commit or roll back active transactions before retrying the rotation.
Tables using MyISAM, MEMORY, or custom plugins lack TDE features, so rotation fails.
Old development tables forgotten in production schemas block global key rotation.
Third-party engines compiled before MySQL 5.7.11 do not expose key rotation capability flags.
Keyring plugin disabled or mis-configured leaves rotation logic unable to verify engine support, triggering the error.
Keyring malfunction during rotation. Fix plugin path or permissions.
Open transaction prevents encryption change. Commit or roll back before retry.
Tablespace could not be encrypted or decrypted due to I/O issues.
No data is lost, but keys remain unrotated, leaving encrypted data under an older key.
If TDE is not active, you can ignore it. However, enabling encryption later will require cleanup.
Key rotation is available from MySQL 5.7.11 and MariaDB 10.1.3 onward when using InnoDB.
Galaxy lets teams save endorsed scripts that enforce InnoDB usage and automate engine audits, preventing unsupported tables from reaching production.
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