Navigation
This version of the documentation is archived and no longer supported.

Adjust Priority for Replica Set Member

To change the value of the priority in the replica set configuration, use the following sequence of commands in the mongo shell:

cfg = rs.conf()
cfg.members[0].priority = 0.5
cfg.members[1].priority = 2
cfg.members[2].priority = 2
rs.reconfig(cfg)

The first operation uses rs.conf() to set the local variable cfg to the contents of the current replica set configuration, which is a document. The next three operations change the priority value in the cfg document for the first three members configured in the members array. The final operation calls rs.reconfig() with the argument of cfg to initialize the new configuration.

When updating the replica configuration object, access the replica set members in the members array with the array index. The array index begins with 0. Do not confuse this index value with the value of the _id field in each document in the members array.

If a member has priority set to 0, it is ineligible to become primary and will not seek election. Hidden members, delayed members, and arbiters all have priority set to 0.

All members have a priority equal to 1 by default.

The value of priority can be any floating point (i.e. decimal) number between 0 and 1000. Priorities are only used to determine the preference in election. The priority value is used only in relation to other members. With the exception of members with a priority of 0, the absolute value of the priority value is irrelevant.

Replica sets will preferentially elect and maintain the primary status of the member with the highest priority setting.

Warning

Replica set reconfiguration can force the current primary to step down, leading to an election for primary in the replica set. Elections cause the current primary to close all open client connections.

Perform routine replica set reconfiguration during scheduled maintenance windows.

See also

The Replica Reconfiguration Usage example revolves around changing the priorities of the members of a replica set.