How to create and manage a MySQL database

Applies to: All plans.

Before you start: You need access to cPanel for the hosting account you want to add a database to. Log in via single sign-on from your client area (open the service, then Log in to cPanel), or go to https://yourdomain/cpanel.

A MySQL database stores the content for apps like WordPress, Joomla and most CMS or e-commerce platforms. To use one, you create three things: the database, a database user, and the privileges that connect the user to the database. This guide covers all three in cPanel.

Step 1: Create the database

1. In cPanel, open Databases -> MySQL Databases.
2. Under Create New Database, type a short name (for example myapp).
3. Select Create Database.

Result: cPanel adds your account prefix to the name (for example cpuser_myapp). Write down the full name shown — you will need it later.

Step 2: Create a database user

1. Still on the MySQL Databases page, scroll to MySQL Users -> Add New User.
2. Enter a username, then set a strong password (use the password generator if you like).
3. Select Create User.

Result: A new user is created, again with your account prefix (for example cpuser_dbuser). Note the full username and password.

Step 3: Add the user to the database and assign privileges

1. Scroll to Add User to Database.
2. Pick your User and your Database from the two dropdowns, then select Add.
3. On the privileges screen, tick ALL PRIVILEGES for a standard app like WordPress, then select Make Changes.

Result: The user can now read from and write to the database. You will enter these four details into your application: database name, database username, password, and host (localhost).

Your database limit by plan

Each plan allows a set number of MySQL databases:

If you reach your limit, you can add +5 databases as a configurable option (€1.50/mo) from your service in the client area, or upgrade your plan. See Understanding your hosting account's limits.

Troubleshooting this task

• "You have reached your maximum number of databases." You are at your plan limit. Delete an unused database, add the +5 databases option, or upgrade your plan.
• App cannot connect. Re-check the database name, username and password (all carry your account prefix) and make sure the host is localhost. For WordPress specifically, these live in wp-config.php — see Fixing "Error establishing a database connection".
• Need to browse or edit tables. Use Databases -> phpMyAdmin in cPanel. See How to use phpMyAdmin.

Related articles

• How to use phpMyAdmin
• How to install WordPress manually
• Fixing "Error establishing a database connection"
• How to restore a database