This topic describes the possible states of ECS instances.

State Description
Pending The initial state of an ECS instance when you create the ECS instance in the ECS console or by calling the RunInstances operation. Instances are only in the Pending state only during the creation process, and this state lasts for a few seconds.
Note If the instance is being created by calling CreateInstance, you must then call StartInstance to manually change the instance state from Pending to Starting. If the instance is being created by calling RunInstances, the instance automatically enters the Starting state.
Starting The transient state when an instance is enabled in the ECS console or by calling StartInstance.
Running The stable state after an instance is enabled in the ECS console or by calling StartInstance. The instance owner can use, manage, and modify business and applications on an instance when the instance is in this state.
Stopping The transient state when an instance is stopped in the ECS console or by calling StopInstance.
Stopped The stable state after an instance has been stopped.