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After I turn off the auto-pause delay for my azure sql database

Steven Scearce IV 6 Reputation points
2026-06-13T00:45:17.04+00:00

I just created my first Azure SQL database. It is on the free tier. I want to reduce my auto-pause-delay, but I want to stay on the free tier. I read through some of the information on this site and found that if I turn off the free tier, I get the option to reduce the delay. My question is, can I turn the free tier back on as soon as I reduce the delay or will I be stuck on a paid tier? Thanks very much.

Azure SQL Database
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  1. TP 157.2K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2026-06-13T01:06:41.7166667+00:00

    Hi Steven,

    Once you switch to paid tier, you cannot switch the database back to free offer. I have tested this in the past and can confirm. Below is screenshot excerpt from the Azure SQL Database free offer FAQ for additional confirmation:

    User's image

    In my experience free offer database pauses after about 15 minutes of no connections, which is the documented minimum auto pause delay. I went ahead and tested this again on one of my free databases, please see screenshot from Activity log:

    User's image

    When I subtracted Resume time from Pause time using precise date/time stamp of each the two events occurred 16 minutes and 23 seconds apart.

    Please click Accept Answer and upvote if the above was helpful.

    Thanks.

    -TP

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