How to Fix SQLite Database is Locked Error?

Encountered by the ‘SQLite database is locked’ error? This means you have been performing inappropriate operations on the same database connection and shared data. However, you can fix this error by knowing a few simple and right methods. In this blog, we will discuss how to fix the “SQLITE_BUSY: database is locked error’ using the manual method. Apart from this, you can recover and restore data using a professional SQLite Database Recovery tool. Further, move into the blog to learn how to fix the SQLite error.

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The most common reason for this error is that one connection to the database has not been properly closed while another begins. This locks the SQLite database and prevents you from running more transactions. Also, you cannot further update or alter tables. But in what are possible scenarios for the DB Browser for SQLite database is locked error? Some scenarios are mentioned below:

  • If you try to write a transaction while the SELECT command is already activated on the table.
  • Do not do two SELECTs simultaneously on the same table in a multi-thread application. If the SQLite has not been fixed to do the same, you can face the error.
  • When you try a new CREATE or DROP command, while the SELECT command is still pending. If you get the value SQLITE_DONE from Sqlite3_() after the SELECT statement operates, this does not mean the process is complete. Keep in note that the SELECT command is not complete until the sqlite_finalize() or sqlite_reset() commands run.

These are some of the scenarios that create SQLite3.operationalerror: database is locked error. Therefore, let us know the solutions you can try to resolve this error.

Solutions to Resolve SQLite Database is Locked Error

We understand that such a SQLite database-locked error is annoying to deal with. But following methods mentioned below can help you fix the issue and unlock the SQLite database. However, before moving to the procedure, follow the two important steps mentioned below:

  • Firstly, check if there are any other open connections to the database. And if any, close them.
  • If there are no open connections left, restart the application using the database. This helps you resolve the error, if the application has some problems.

Further, if the ‘[sqlite_busy] the database file is locked (database is locked)’ error persists, do as directed.

#1. Create a Backup of the Database Without Locks

Creating a new backup for the database without any locks, is the best way to fix the db browser for SQLite database is locked. Further, replace the original database with its backup copy. Follow the command mentioned below to do the same:

$Sqlite3 .x.Sqlite

Sqlite> .backup main backup.Sqlite

Sqlite> .exit

Note: Here, x.Sqlite is the database file.

Next, you need to replace the original locked database with the new backup copy which is unlocked.

$mv .x.Sqlite old.Sqlite

$mv backup.Sqlite .x.Sqlite

Execute the above command to access the SQLite database and check if the database is allowing to run both the read and write operations. Further, you can delete the old SQLite database file, once the error database is locked will be resolved. Apart from this, other ways to resolve the SQLite database is locked error, is to rewrite the code or increase the default lock time out.

Whenever a database has to handle more concurrency than the default configuration, such errors occur. In that case, you may try to resolve the error, by rewriting an effective code statement or increasing the time-out value. However, if still you see ‘SQLite unable to open database file’ use a professional tool to repair corrupt SQLite database items.

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#2. Automated Tool to Fix Error: SQLite database is Locked

The best alternative to skip the complicated manual method is the DRS SQLite Database Recovery tool . It is the best and most reliable solution to fix the [sqlite_busy] the database file is locked (database is locked). This is a proficient utility to repair corrupted SQLite database items created by SQLite 2 and SQLite 3. The tool provides various features to repair SQLite database and restore objects like tables, triggers, indexes, and views. Moreover, you can choose to save the restored DB items in SQLite or in MDF file format. Furthermore, the wide compatibility of the tool with all Windows makes it an expert utility.

Steps to Resolve Error Database is Locked

If you are using the SQLite Recovery tool to fix the SQLite database error, follow the steps for guidance:

  • Launch the SQLite Recovery tool on your Windows.
  • Click on Open and add the SQLite file from your system.
  • Select the required file information and click OK.
  • After scanning is complete, you can see the file preview.
  • Then, click on Map Column to map the data and choose OK.
  • Now, specify the saving options for the restored data. Click Next to proceed.
  • You will successfully recover all your database items into a new database file.

Moreover, you can try the demo version of the tool to evaluate how the tool works.

Conclusion

If you face the SQLite database is locked error, and you do not have any backup copy, try the methods mentioned in the blog. The best suggested method is to use the SQLite Recovery tool, which ensures security and data accuracy. However, you can choose either of the best-suited methods to fix the error.

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About The Author:

Andrew Tie is a vastly experienced tech journalist who enjoys taking apart complex technology for a broad audience. Over more than a decade in the technology sector, Tie is good at making complicated technical concepts lucidly clear; enabling readers through engaging content. During his writing career so far, Andrew has written for several tech publications, right from industry-leading journals to popular tech blogs. Clarity, precision, and the ability to bridge technical vocabularies with everyday understanding mark his work.

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