Can We Change the Type of Instance in an AWS Reserved Instance?

Managing cloud resources effectively is crucial for optimizing your AWS spend. However, many users face the challenge of changing the instance type of a reserved instance. This article explores the options available to you and the steps you can take to modify or change the type of your AWS reserved instance.

Understanding Reserved Instances

AWS offers various types of reserved instances to help customers commit to a certain amount of usage and secure upfront costs. However, one of the common questions revolves around whether it's possible to change the instance type of a reserved instance. AWS provides several options, each with its own set of constraints and procedures.

Options for Modifying an AWS Reserved Instance

In most cases, directly changing the instance type of a reserved instance is not possible. However, AWS provides users with a couple of alternative solutions to meet their needs.

1. Modify the Reserved Instance

This option is available for regional reserved instances. If you have a reserved instance that needs to be modified to a different instance type within the same instance family, you have the option to update it. For example, you can change from an instance to an m5.xlarge. However, to do this, the new instance type must also belong to the same region and availability zone as the original instance.

Step-by-Step Guide: Access your AWS Management Console. Navigate to the Reserved Instances section. Choose the reserved instance you want to modify. Select the option to modify the reserved instance. Choose the new instance type from the available options. Verify the modifications and proceed with the changes.

2. Purchase a New Reserved Instance

If you need a different instance type that cannot be modified, you have the option to purchase a new reserved instance for the desired type. This involves letting your original reserved instance expire or selling it on the AWS Reserved Instance Marketplace, if eligible.

Step-by-Step Guide: Access the AWS Marketplace for reserved instances. Select the new instance type you need. Follow the purchasing process to acquire the new reserved instance. Allow the original reserved instance to expire or sell it on the Marketplace.

3. Convert to Savings Plans

For those who frequently change the types of instances they use, AWS Savings Plans can be a more flexible and cost-effective option. These plans offer significant savings over on-demand pricing and can be applied to any instance type within the specified family.

Step-by-Step Guide: Review the AWS Savings Plans offer in the AWS Management Console. Choose the type of Savings Plan that suits your needs. Assess the upfront costs and term of the Savings Plan. Convert your reserved instances to Savings Plans.

Convertible Reserved Instances

AWS offers two types of reserved instances: standard and convertible. Standard reserved instances allow you to modify the instance size within the same instance type, network platform, and availability zone. However, unless the new instance type is within the same instance family and region, you cannot change the instance type itself. In the case of standard reserved instances, you have the option to sell them in the marketplace.

Convertible reserved instances offer more flexibility. When your needs change, you can exchange your instance to a different family, operating system, and tenancy. However, it's not possible to change the region of the instance as it is region-specific. Additionally, convertible reserved instances cannot be sold in the AWS Marketplace.

Conclusion

While directly changing the instance type of an AWS reserved instance is limited, AWS provides multiple options to manage your resources effectively. Whether you choose to modify the reserved instance, purchase a new one, or switch to AWS Savings Plans, you can optimize your cloud spending and meet your changing needs.

For more detailed information and to stay updated with the latest AWS policies and offerings, always refer to the latest AWS documentation or the AWS Management Console.