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Description

This error indicates that a MongoDB update operation could not be completed successfully. It typically occurs when a write request to modify existing documents encounters an issue preventing the change from being applied to the database.

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Error Message

Update Operation Failed

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Known Causes

4 known causes

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Insufficient Permissions

The user attempting the update lacks the necessary readWrite or update privileges on the collection or database.

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Document Not Found

The query filter provided for the update operation did not match any existing documents in the collection.

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Validation Rule Failure

The attempted update violates a schema validation rule defined for the collection, preventing the document from being saved.

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Write Conflict

Another operation modified the target document concurrently, leading to a conflict that prevents the current update from completing.

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Solutions

4 solutions available

1. Verify Update Document Structure and Field Names easy

Ensure the update document correctly targets existing fields and uses valid operators.

1

Examine the update operation you are trying to perform. Carefully check the field names in your update document (e.g., `$set`, `$inc`, `$push`) against the actual field names in your MongoDB documents.

2

Verify that you are using valid MongoDB update operators. Common operators include `$set`, `$inc`, `$unset`, `$push`, `$pull`, `$addToSet`. Incorrect or misspelled operators will cause this error.

db.collection.update(
  { _id: ObjectId('your_document_id') },
  { $set: { 'existing_field': 'new_value', 'another_field': 123 } }
);

3

If you are attempting to update nested fields, ensure the path to the nested field is correctly specified, for example: `'parent.child.grandchild': 'new_value'`.

db.collection.update(
  { _id: ObjectId('your_document_id') },
  { $set: { 'address.city': 'New York' } }
);

2. Check for Document Existence and Permissions medium

Confirm the document exists and the user has write permissions for the collection.

1

Before attempting an update, verify that the document you are trying to modify actually exists in the collection. Use a `find` operation with the same query criteria.

db.collection.find({ _id: ObjectId('your_document_id') }).count();

2

If the document does not exist, the update operation targeting it will effectively do nothing and might sometimes manifest as an error, especially if `upsert: true` is not used and expected.

3

Ensure the MongoDB user executing the update operation has the necessary `update` or `write` role on the target database and collection. Connect to MongoDB and check user roles.

db.getUsers();

4

If permissions are insufficient, grant the appropriate roles to the user. For example, to grant readWrite access to a database:

db.grantRolesToUser(
  'your_username',
  [{ role: 'readWrite', db: 'your_database' }]
);

3. Analyze Query Filter for Correctness medium

Ensure the query filter accurately identifies the document(s) to be updated.

1

Review the query filter part of your update operation. This filter determines which documents will be affected.

db.collection.update(
  { /* query filter here */ },
  { $set: { 'field': 'value' } }
);

2

Make sure the filter criteria are correct and match the intended document(s). An empty filter `{}` will attempt to update all documents in the collection, which might be unintentional and lead to unexpected behavior or errors if constraints are violated.

db.collection.update(
  {}, // Empty filter - be cautious!
  { $set: { 'status': 'processed' } }
);

3

If you are using `_id` in your filter, ensure the `ObjectId` is correctly formatted.

db.collection.update(
  { _id: 'invalid_object_id_string' },
  { $set: { 'field': 'value' } }
);

4

Use `find` with the same filter to preview which documents would be affected before executing the update.

db.collection.find({ /* query filter here */ }).pretty();

4. Examine MongoDB Server Logs for Detailed Error Information advanced

Consult server logs for specific reasons behind the update failure.

1

Access the MongoDB server logs. The location of these logs depends on your operating system and how MongoDB was installed (e.g., `/var/log/mongodb/mongod.log` on Linux, or within MongoDB Compass if connected to a local instance).

2

Search for entries related to 'ERROR' or '218' around the time the update operation failed. These log entries often provide more context about what went wrong.

grep '218' /var/log/mongodb/mongod.log

3

Look for messages indicating issues like schema validation failures, constraint violations (if applicable), network problems, or resource limitations that might have caused the update to be aborted.

4

If schema validation is enabled, the logs will likely indicate which schema rule was violated.

Example log entry: 'Document failed validation, message: Field 'field_name' is required.'

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Related Errors

5 related errors

MongoDB Error 218: Update Operation Failed