Data Migration Options for Redis

Redis supports multiple tools and strategies for migrating data from other Redis and non-Redis systems. Whether you're moving data from OSS Redis, a cloud-managed Redis service, or a relational database, Redis offers flexible approaches to fit your architecture, downtime tolerance, and operational complexity.

This article outlines supported Migration Strategies, Tools, and detailed steps for each approach. Choose the method that aligns with your source database type, the level of downtime you can tolerate, and your need for ongoing sync.

Choose a Migration Method

Select one of the supported migration methods below to view detailed instructions:

1. Export / Import
2. ReplicaOf
3. RIOT (Redis Input Output Tool)
4. RDI (Redis Data Integration)

Migration Strategies

There are two main types of migration strategies supported in Redis:

1. Snapshot Migration

   A one-time transfer of data. Ideal for planned cutovers or low-change environments.

2. Live (Ongoing) Migration

Synchronizes data between the source and destination.

Best for minimal-downtime transitions and active environments.

Always test your migration in a non-production environment before running it in production.

Migration Tools

1. Export / Import

Use for: Snapshot migration from OSS Redis or managed Redis services.

How It Works:

• Export a .rdb file from the source.
• Import it into Redis using supported storage services.

Pre-requisites:

• Admin Access
• Export location: Local mount, FTP/SFTP, AWS S3, Azure Blob, GCS

Steps:

1. Export .rdb using BGSAVE or backup tools for cloud Redis.

2. In the Redis UI, go to the database and select Import.

3. Choose the correct supported storage location tab and provide path details.

4. Import one or multiple .rdb files.

For more details, refer to Importing data into Redis.

2. ReplicaOf

Use for: Ongoing, one-way replication from OSS Redis to Redis.

How It Works:

• Uses Redis' built-in replicaof command to continuously sync.

Pre-requisites:

• Admin access
• Network connectivity between source and destination

Steps:

1. In Redis UI, expand Replica Of on the destination database.

2. Click + Add source database.

3. Enter source Redis endpoint.

4. Monitor replication progress in the UI.

5. Once synced, switch application traffic to Redis Software.

6. Delete the replica-of configuration to stop syncing.

Redis flushes and resyncs the destination database if there's major data drift or a sync restart.

Refer to ReplicaOf setup guide and ReplicaOf troubleshooting.

3. RIOT (Redis Input Output Tool)

Use for: Flexible migrations from Redis, files, or relational databases. Supports both snapshot and live modes.

How It Works:

• Command-line tool that can import/export data using multiple formats and protocols.

Pre-requisites:

• VM or server with Java 11+
• Connectivity between source and destination

Examples:

• Snapshot:

./riot -h <src IP> -p <src port> replicate -h <dst IP> -p <dst port>

• Live replication:

./riot -h <src IP> -p <src port> replicate -h <dst IP> -p <dst port> --mode live

Learn more in the RIOT documentation or visit the RIOT GitHub repo.

4. RDI (Redis Data Integration)

Use for: Ongoing migration from RDBMS and NoSQL sources using CDC (Change Data Capture).

How It Works:

• Uses Debezium to capture changes from the source database.
• Transforms the schema and loads into Redis in real time.

When to Use:

• You want to offload read-heavy workloads to Redis.
• Your primary DB is not performant or scalable for reads.

To get started, contact your Redis Account Manager or refer to the RDI documentation

 

Onboarding Progress

Previous: Connecting to Your Database

Return to the Redis Software Onboarding Overview to view all steps.
 

Professional Services
Need help planning or executing a migration?
Redis offers Professional Services to support complex data migration efforts.
Contact your Account Manager or open a Support ticket for assistance.