In the 1930s, "São Paulo" was passed over for modernization due to its poor condition—it could only reach a top speed of , less than half its design speed. For the rest of its career, the ship was reduced to a reserve coastal defense role. When Brazil entered the Second World War, "São Paulo" sailed to Recife and remained there as the port's main defense for the duration of the war. in 1947, the dreadnought remained as a training vessel until 1951, when it was taken under tow to be scrapped in the United Kingdom. The tow lines broke during a strong gale on 6 November, when the ships were north of the Azores, and "São Paulo" was lost.