Understanding the Error

The "log sequence number is in the future" error indicates a mismatch between the LSN (Log Sequence Number) recorded in the data files and the redo logs: 

[ERROR] InnoDB: Page [page id: space=0, page number=5] 
log sequence number 123456789 is in the future! 
Current system log sequence number 123456000.

What Causes This Error?

  • Restoring old redo logs - Using redo logs that don't match the data files
  • Partial backup restoration - Mixing files from different backup points
  • Crash during checkpoint - System crash during critical operations
  • Clock skew issues - Rare cases with system time changes
  • File system snapshots - Inconsistent snapshot states

Recovery Methods

Method 1: Delete Redo Logs (Risky)

Warning: This may cause data loss for uncommitted transactions.

  1. Stop MySQL
  2. Backup your ib_logfile* files
  3. Delete ib_logfile0 and ib_logfile1
  4. Start MySQL (new logs will be created)

Method 2: Force Recovery

[mysqld]
innodb_force_recovery = 1

Start with level 1 and increase if necessary.

Method 3: Use DBRECOVER

DBRECOVER ignores LSN inconsistencies and reads data directly from the data pages:

  1. Launch DBRECOVER for MySQL
  2. Open your tablespace files directly
  3. DBRECOVER reads valid data regardless of LSN state
  4. Export your data to a new database

Prevention Tips

  • Always perform consistent backups (stop MySQL or use hot backup tools)
  • Never mix files from different backup times
  • Use MySQL's native backup tools or replication for consistency
  • Verify backup integrity before restoration