Step 1: Check for auto_explain

The recommended Automated EXPLAIN configuration for Supabase is to use the Postgres auto_explain contrib module. This ensures accurate and detailed plan information, including runtime information (as gathered by EXPLAIN ANALYZE). With our recommended configuration (presented in a later step), performance overhead is minimal.

Check if auto_explain already enabled

Supabase preloads auto_explain on all projects by default, so this step usually just confirms it’s there. Connect as the postgres user (via the SQL Editor or psql) and run:

SHOW shared_preload_libraries;

If auto_explain is in the list, it’s enabled.

If auto_explain is not enabled

If auto_explain is already enabled

If auto_explain is already enabled, you can skip the next step and proceed to review our recommended auto_explain configuration settings: