How to fix WordPress Error establishing a database connection

See an error like this on your WordPress site?



This error isn't too difficult to fix.

Step 1 - Log into cPanel then Open the File Manager.




Step 2 - Find and click on the domain/subdomain's root folder. This will normally be the public_html folder however if you want to be 100% certain (it can be different for addon and subdomains)

click here for a guide on finding your root folder.




Step 3 - Find the wp-config.php file, right click and select Code Edit




If you get this popup box, just click Edit




Step 4 - Take note of the below lines as they appear on your screen




Step 5 - Keep that window open (we'll need 2 windows open for this), open a new cPanel window and find the MySQL Databases option



Step 6 - Take note of the database names. Note that if you have multiple databases that don't match you may need to repeat step 8 onwards through some trial and error till you find the correct/matching database




Check that the database names match in both the wp-config file and the MySQL Databases section




If they don't match, change the database entry in the wp-config file to match what's in the MySQL Database section


Step 7 - Look at the Add User to Database section in MySQL Databases and the DB_USER and DB_PASSWORD entries in the wp-config file








Make sure that they match (the database user and name don't have to be identical but what's in both sections needs to match) and then hit the Add button




Step 8 - Select All Privileges and hit the Make Changes button down the bottom




Once the change completes, press the Go Back option in the next screen


Step 9 - Look at the Database Password section in MySQL Databases and the DP_PASSWORD section in wp-config







Step 10 - Click the Change Password option for the correct database user





Step 11 - Set the database password to what is in the wp-config file, it's easiest to copy/paste it (make sure not to include the ' ' so in this case, the DB password is Q.t555Spy! )



That's should be it!

If you find you're still having trouble, choose the Repair Database option from the MySQL Databases menu to repair the database



If you're still having trouble put through a support ticket and our team will have a look at it for you.