Add a read replica
Copy a database server continuously to another one that serves reads, and promote it if the primary fails.
1Create the replica server
Create another database server with the same engine (MySQL or PostgreSQL), ideally with the same provider and region so the copy uses the private network. Anything already on it is moved aside.
2Add it
Open the primary database server → Database tab, choose the new server under Add a read replica, and type its name to confirm. The primary gets a replication login for that server only and opens its database port to it; the replica takes a full copy and then follows every change.
3Send reads to it
Once the replica shows Streaming, point read-only queries and reports at it. In Laravel, the Database tab shows the read and write hosts to put in config/database.php.
4Watch the lag
Every five minutes the replica is checked and the tab shows how many seconds it’s behind. If it stops copying, the account’s owners are emailed with the reason.
5Promote it
If the primary fails, open the replica → Database tab → Promote to a standalone server. It stops following the primary and accepts writes, keeping everything copied; then point your applications at it.