Software⏱️ 3 min read📅 2026-06-11

How to Fix: Q: How to fix apt-get update error Mirror sync in progress?

Fix apt-get update error with mirror sync issue

Quick Answer: Check the expected file size and hash values, then try again or wait for the mirror sync to complete.

The error 'Mirror sync in progress' occurs when the apt-get update command is unable to retrieve package information from the mirror, due to issues with the mirror's synchronization process. This issue affects users trying to install PostgreSQL Client on Debian 10.

This error can be frustrating as it prevents the installation of PostgreSQL Client, which is necessary for various applications and services. In this guide, we will walk through the steps to resolve this issue.

⚠️ Common Causes

  • The primary reason for this error is that the mirror's synchronization process has not completed yet. This can be due to network connectivity issues, high traffic on the mirror, or other factors affecting the mirror's availability.
  • Another possible cause is a corrupted package index file in the mirror, which prevents apt-get from retrieving the correct package information.

🔧 Proven Troubleshooting Steps

Update the mirror manually

  1. Step 1: Open a web browser and navigate to the PostgreSQL mirrors website (https://www.postgresql.org/download/).
  2. Step 2: Click on the 'apt' tab and select the 'buster-pgdg' repository.
  3. Step 3: Copy the URL of the repository list file (e.g., https://apt.postgresql.org/pub/repos/apt/debian-buster.list) and paste it into a text editor.
  4. Step 4: Update the package index by running the command `sudo apt update` in the terminal, followed by `sudo apt full-upgrade -y` to update all packages.
  5. Step 5: Once the updates are complete, try running `apt-get install postgresql-client-9.4` again.

Verify package index integrity

  1. Step 1: Run the command `sudo apt-key adv --fetch-keys https://www.postgresql.org/media/keys/ACCC4CF8.asc` to verify the PostgreSQL public key.
  2. Step 2: Check the package index for any errors by running `sudo apt update && sudo apt list --upgradable`.
  3. Step 3: If the package index is corrupted, try running `sudo apt clean && sudo apt update` and then attempt to install PostgreSQL Client again.

✨ Wrapping Up

To resolve the 'Mirror sync in progress' error when installing PostgreSQL Client on Debian 10, you can try updating the mirror manually or verifying package index integrity. If these methods do not work, it may be necessary to seek further assistance from a system administrator or the PostgreSQL community.

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