I am trying to change the status of a column to 0 with the following SQL command in MySQL Workbench:
UPDATE products SET status=0;
Unfortunately, I keep encountering this error message:
Error Code: 1175. You are currently in safe update mode and are attempting to update a table without a WHERE clause that includes a KEY column. To turn off safe mode, adjust the option in Preferences under SQL Editor and then reconnect.
I have already attempted to turn off safe update mode by navigating through Edit → Preferences → SQL Editor and unchecking the safe updates option, but I am still facing the same error.
What might be causing this problem and how can I execute my UPDATE statement successfully?
MySQL Workbench holds the safe update mode at the connection level rather than just in the preferences. Disabling it in settings doesn’t affect the current connection until you restart it. I recommend executing SET SQL_SAFE_UPDATES = 0; in the same query window before your UPDATE statement. However, since your command lacks a WHERE clause, it will affect every row in the products table. To be more specific, consider using UPDATE products SET status=0 WHERE status IS NOT NULL; to avoid unintended mass changes. This precaution exists to prevent accidental updates.
That manual approach works, but you’ll keep hitting this same problem over and over.
I’ve dealt with similar database headaches before. I ended up automating these maintenance tasks through Latenode instead of fighting with the restrictions.
You can build a workflow that connects to your MySQL database and runs those UPDATE statements without any safe mode nonsense. The automation handles all the connection stuff and executes your queries reliably.
For your situation, create a workflow that updates product statuses based on whatever conditions you need. Set it to run daily or trigger it from an external event.
This bypasses Workbench limitations completely and gives you consistent results. You can add logging, error handling, and notifications when updates finish.
run the sql cmd direct in the query window - forget the gui tools. Workbench can be stubborn even after changing prefs. also, make sure to disconnect & reconnect after a restart. i always do SET SQL_SAFE_UPDATES = 0; at the start and it usually solves it.
Safe update mode persists even after changing preferences due to MySQL Workbench caching session settings. Besides restarting the application, you can execute SET SQL_SAFE_UPDATES = 0; and SET FOREIGN_KEY_CHECKS = 0; if table constraints are causing issues. However, make your UPDATE statement more specific to avoid updating all products at once; for example, use UPDATE products SET status=0 WHERE created_date < '2024-01-01';. This approach is not only safer but also more efficient with large datasets. The error serves as a precaution against inadvertently altering the entire table, so it’s advisable to work within these constraints in a production environment.
Yeah, this is a super common problem with bulk database ops. Sure, restarting Workbench or running SET commands works for now, but it’s a pain when you’re doing regular batch updates.
Stop wrestling with Workbench every time - just set up an automated workflow instead. Connect directly to MySQL and run your UPDATE statements without any safe mode headaches.
This is perfect for updating product statuses based on your business rules or schedules. Want to update products that haven’t changed in X days? Products matching specific criteria? Easy.
Throw in some error handling, logging, and notifications so you know when batches finish. No more manual safe mode toggling, and you get reliable results every time.
For your situation, set up triggers that run on timers or external events to automatically handle product status changes across your whole inventory.
You need to fully disconnect from the server, not just close the app. Go to Database menu → Disconnect from Server, then reconnect. This forces MySQL Workbench to grab your new settings. I fought this same issue for weeks - just restarting the app won’t cut it since the connection keeps its original session settings. Once you disconnect and reconnect properly, your UPDATE should work. Just heads up - without a WHERE clause, you’re hitting every row in that products table, which might take forever if it’s big.
After unchecking safe updates, close MySQL Workbench completely and restart it. Just reconnecting won’t work. I’ve hit this issue tons of times - a full restart always fixes it. You can also run SET SQL_SAFE_UPDATES = 0; at the start of your session to disable it temporarily. Heads up though - your UPDATE statement will hit every row in the products table since there’s no WHERE clause. That might not be what you want. Add a WHERE condition if you only need to update specific records.