Prisma Database Connection Timeout
Your Prisma database queries timeout with 'Can't reach database server' or connection pool exhaustion errors. Application queries fail or hang indefinitely.
Connection timeouts happen when Prisma cannot establish a connection to the database within the configured time limit, typically due to network issues, database overload, or misconfigured connection parameters.
Error Messages You Might See
Common Causes
- Database server down, unreachable, or not properly started
- CONNECTION_LIMIT too low for concurrent requests (default 10)
- Network firewall blocking database port access
- DATABASE_URL malformed or pointing to wrong database
- Too many open connections overwhelming the pool
How to Fix It
Verify database: Ensure your PostgreSQL or MySQL server is running. Test connection with psql -c "select 1".
Check DATABASE_URL: Format should be postgresql://user:password@host:port/database?schema=public. Test with any URL validator.
Increase pool size: In .env, add PRISMA_CONNECTION_LIMIT=20 for higher concurrency.
Add connection timeout: Set DATABASE_URL=...?connect_timeout=10 to extend timeout from default 5 seconds.
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Get HelpFrequently Asked Questions
How do I test my DATABASE_URL?
Use psql or mysql CLI directly with the connection string to verify connectivity before testing with Prisma.
What connection pool size should I use?
Start with 10-20 for development, 50+ for production. Monitor and adjust based on concurrent request needs.