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MongoDB · Database Server & Atlas
MongoDB server reported: Shard Key Not Found.
Quick Answer
Error code 61 on your MongoDB Database Server & Atlas means: MongoDB server reported: Shard Key Not Found.. This is usually fixable — see the step-by-step guide below.
Affected Models
Applies to all models
MONGO-ATLAS-DEDICATEDMONGO-ATLAS-SERVERLESSMONGO-COMM-6.0MONGO-COMM-7.0MONGO-COMM-8.0MONGO-ENT-6.0MONGO-ENT-7.0MONGO-ENT-8.0
Likely Causes
  1. MongoDB returned code 61 (ShardKeyNotFound) while processing this request path.
  2. Node role/configuration changed between targeting and execution.
  3. Cluster topology changed during execution (primary step-down, shard movement, or stale metadata).
How to Fix It
1
Review logs/telemetry for code 61 (ShardKeyNotFound) and capture the exact command and parameters that triggered it.
2
Review replication/sharding events around the timestamp to confirm role transitions.
3
Gate retries on a stable cluster view and avoid stale routing caches.
4
Refresh topology metadata and retarget the command using current primary/shard ownership.
5
Add monitoring for recurring ShardKeyNotFound events so future incidents are detected and triaged faster.
Pro Tip
This issue typically requires professional diagnosis. Attempting this fix without proper training could cause further problems.
Related Error Codes
12456
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