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How to Upgrade MongoDB to a Higher Version | Step-by-Step Guide

by · March 28, 2026

Upgrading MongoDB to a newer version ensures you have the latest features, improved performance, and important security fixes. This guide will walk you through the steps to safely upgrade MongoDB from a lower version to a higher version on Linux-based systems.

1. Check Your Current MongoDB Version

Before upgrading, it’s important to know the version of MongoDB currently installed:

mongod --version

2. Backup Your Data

Always back up your databases to prevent data loss. You can use mongodump:

mongodump --out /path/to/backup/directory

3. Stop MongoDB Service

Stop the MongoDB service before upgrading:

sudo systemctl stop mongod

4. Update Repository (for Linux)

Update your package manager repository to point to the version you want to install. For example, on Ubuntu:

wget -qO - https://www.mongodb.org/static/pgp/server-6.0.asc | sudo apt-key add -
echo "deb [ arch=amd64,arm64 ] https://repo.mongodb.org/apt/ubuntu focal/mongodb-org/6.0 multiverse" | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/mongodb-org-6.0.list
sudo apt-get update

5. Install the New Version of MongoDB

Install the latest MongoDB package:

sudo apt-get install -y mongodb-org

6. Start MongoDB Service

After installation, start the MongoDB service:

sudo systemctl start mongod
sudo systemctl status mongod

7. Verify the Upgrade

Check the MongoDB version to ensure the upgrade was successful:

mongod --version

8. Optional: Enable Automatic Start on Boot

If you want MongoDB to start automatically on system boot:

sudo systemctl enable mongod

Tips for a Smooth Upgrade

  • Always check the official MongoDB release notes for compatibility issues.
  • Upgrade in a test environment before production if possible.
  • Ensure your applications are compatible with the new MongoDB version.

By following these steps, you can safely upgrade your MongoDB installation and take advantage of new features and security improvements.

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