How to create a MySQL database in cPanel

Every site that stores information — WordPress, a store, a PHP system — needs a database. In cPanel, creating one takes less than a minute with the wizard, which sets up the database, user and permissions in a single sequence.

1. Creating it with the wizard

• Log in to cPanel and, under Databases, click MySQL Database Wizard.
• Step 1 — give the database a name, for example wordpress. Click Next Step.
• Step 2 — create the user and password. Use the Generate button and copy the password before continuing. Click Create User.
• Step 3 — check ALL PRIVILEGES and click Next Step.

2. The connection details

Four pieces of information, always the same:

• Server: localhost
• Database name: the full name, with the prefix
• Username: the full name, with the prefix
• Password: the one you generated

The server is localhost because the site and the database run on the same machine. It's only different if you connect from outside — and then you need to allow your IP under Databases → Remote MySQL.

In WordPress

The installer asks for exactly these four fields. If you're editing wp-config.php by hand:

define('DB_NAME', 'mystore_wordpress');
define('DB_USER', 'mystore_wpuser');
define('DB_PASSWORD', 'your-password-here');
define('DB_HOST', 'localhost');

In Laravel

In the .env file:

DB_CONNECTION=mysql
DB_HOST=127.0.0.1
DB_PORT=3306
DB_DATABASE=mystore_app
DB_USERNAME=mystore_appuser
DB_PASSWORD=your-password-here

3. Using phpMyAdmin

phpMyAdmin is the interface for viewing and editing the database's contents. It's under Databases → phpMyAdmin and opens already signed in.

Importing an existing database

When migrating a site from another host:

• Select the target database in the list on the left.
• Click the Import tab.
• Choose the .sql file and click Go.

If the file is too big for the upload limit, compress it as .zip or .gz — phpMyAdmin accepts both and the compressed file usually fits. Beyond that, support will import it for you.

Exporting a copy

• Select the database and click Export.
• Leave the method on Quick and the format on SQL.
• Click Go. The file downloads to your computer.

Do this before any big update to the site. It's the copy you control — the hosting also keeps a daily automatic backup, but yours is in your hands whenever you need it.

4. When the connection fails

"Error establishing a database connection"

In order of frequency: the database or user name is missing the account prefix; the password has an extra space at the end; or the user wasn't linked to the database. You can check the link under MySQL Databases, in the Current Users section — the user must be listed under the database.

"Access denied for user"

Wrong username or password, or the user exists but has no privileges on that database. Under MySQL Databases → Add User To Database, redo the link checking ALL PRIVILEGES.

I forgot the database password

It can't be recovered, only changed: under MySQL Databases, in the user list, click Change Password. Remember to update the new password in wp-config.php or .env, or the site will stop working.

5. How many databases your plan allows

1 on Bronze, 5 on Silver (Prata), 10 on Gold (Ouro) and unlimited on Business. Each site installation usually uses one.

Need help?

Open a ticket at financeiro.redhosting.com.br or contact support on WhatsApp at +55 11 98833-3902.