Resolving MySQL Error 1153 (08S01): Got a Packet Bigger Than ‘max_allowed_packet’ Bytes

MySQL Error 1153 (08S01) occurs when a packet size exceeds the server’s set limit, resulting in the “got a packet bigger than max_allowed_packet bytes” error. This issue often happens during large data imports, bulk inserts, or when handling large BLOB or TEXT fields. In this blog, we’ll explore the causes and provide step-by-step solutions to fix it.

What Causes MySQL Error 1153?

When the server receives a packet that exceeds the max_allowed_packet limit, MySQL returns Error 1153. This could be because of:

i. Large SQL queries or inserts

ii. Large file uploads

iii. Improperly configured server settings

iv. Network issues which cause packet corruption

Steps to Resolve MySQL Error 1153

1. Increase the max_allowed_packet Size

The primary solution is to increase the max_allowed_packet setting.

You could find the max_allowed_packet parameter in the below configuration paths

For MySQL Server:

i. Open the MySQL configuration file:

Ubuntu/Debian: /etc/mysql/mysql.conf.d/mysqld.cnf

CentOS/RHEL: /etc/my.cnf

Webuzo: /usr/local/mysql/my.cnf

ii. Locate or add the following line under [mysqld]:

max_allowed_packet=256M

iii. Restart MySQL for the changes to apply:

sudo systemctl restart mysql

For MySQL Client:

Open the configuration file and add:

[client]
max_allowed_packet=256M

After restarting, verify the new value:

> SHOW VARIABLES LIKE 'max_allowed_packet';

2. Optimize Large Queries

• Use Batch Processing: Instead of inserting or updating large datasets in a single transaction, break them into smaller chunks using LIMIT and OFFSET

This approach reduces memory consumption and prevents exceeding max_allowed_packet

• Use Multi-Row Inserts Efficiently: Instead of inserting a single row at a time, use multi-row inserts but keep each batch within a reasonable size

• Optimize BLOB and TEXT Fields: Avoid storing excessively large BLOB or TEXT fields within queries.

3. Check Network Stability

Packet-related errors can also result from network issues. To improve reliability:

Check network equipment for packet loss.

Increase timeout settings in the MySQL configuration:

net_read_timeout=120
net_write_timeout=120

4. Debug Application Code

Ensure the application isn’t generating excessively large queries due to bugs or inefficient logic. Enable logging to track large query executions. 

Verifying the error is resolved

After applying these changes, run the operation that previously triggered the error. If it persists, consider incrementally increasing max_allowed_packet until the issue is resolved.

Conclusion

MySQL Error: got a packet bigger than max_allowed_packet bytes is usually easy to fix by adjusting the max_allowed_packet setting. However, optimizing queries and ensuring a stable network connection are crucial to avoid this issue from recurring. By following the steps provided above, you can maintain strong database performance and reliability, preventing this error from happening again.

If you’re still encountering issues after attempting to resolve MySQL Error 1153: “Got a packet bigger than max_allowed_packet bytes,” our expert team is here to help. Contact us for personalized support and ensure your database runs smoothly without interruptions. Let us guide you through advanced solutions to optimize your database performance.