transaction_timeout (25P04) fires when a transaction runs longer than the transaction_timeout setting, forcing PostgreSQL to cancel and roll back the entire transaction.
PostgreSQL error 25P04 transaction_timeout happens when a transaction outlives the transaction_timeout setting. PostgreSQL aborts and rolls it back. Shorten the work, commit more often, or raise transaction_timeout to fix the problem.
PostgreSQL Error 25P04
PostgreSQL throws SQLSTATE 25P04 when the time spent inside a single transaction exceeds the transaction_timeout configuration parameter.
The server cancels the transaction, issues the error, and rolls back every statement in that block.
Fixing the timeout restores data consistency, prevents application failures, and avoids user-visible downtime.
Long running statements inside BEGIN and COMMIT can exceed the configured limit.
Poorly tuned queries, large batch updates, or heavyweight locks keep the transaction open too long.
Default timeout values carried over from previous versions may be too low for new workloads.
Identify the slow query with pg_stat_activity and EXPLAIN ANALYZE, then tune indexes or rewrite logic.
Break large jobs into smaller atomic units and commit after each logical step.
Increase transaction_timeout temporarily with SET or permanently in postgresql.conf when longer transactions are unavoidable.
Bulk import exceeds timeout - use COPY in autocommit mode or raise transaction_timeout during the import window.
Long analytical SELECT inside a BEGIN block - move the read outside the write transaction.
Background worker forgets to COMMIT - add explicit commits or shorter keep-alive checkpoints.
Keep transactions short and purpose-built.
Monitor pg_stat_activity for age column and alert before hitting the timeout.
Use statement_timeout for single statements and transaction_timeout for full blocks to catch issues early.
25P02 in_failed_sql_transaction - occurs after a failed statement inside a transaction; issue ROLLBACK then retry.
57014 query_canceled - hits when statement_timeout expires; optimize the individual query.
40P01 deadlock_detected - resolve by ordering updates consistently.
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Yes. PostgreSQL cancels the entire transaction and discards all changes since BEGIN.
Correct. Versions before 16 only had statement_timeout and lock_timeout.
Run SHOW transaction_timeout; SHOW statement_timeout; to view current session or global values.
Galaxy27s query history highlights long running sessions and its AI copilot suggests batching and index improvements, reducing the chance of timeouts.
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