How to create a MySQL database in cPanel

MySQL databases store all the content, settings and user data for applications like WordPress, Drupal and Joomla. Without a properly configured database, these applications cannot function and will display connection errors.

You will create a MySQL database in cPanel, configure a database user with appropriate permissions and connect it to your application. cPanel offers two methods: a guided wizard for beginners or manual setup for more control.

Before you begin

You need access to your cPanel control panel.
Note your database name, username and password after creation. Your application will need these credentials to connect.

Create a database using the wizard

The MySQL Database Wizard guides you through database creation in three steps. This method works well if you are setting up a single database for one application.

Open the MySQL Database Wizard.
Log in to cPanel and locate the Databases section. Click MySQL Database Wizard.

cPanel dashboard showing the MySQL Database Wizard icon in the Databases section — The MySQL Database Wizard in cPanel.

Name your database.
Enter a descriptive name in the New Database field. cPanel automatically adds your account username as a prefix. Click Next Step.

MySQL Database Wizard showing the database name input field with automatic prefix — Creating a new database with automatic prefix.

Create a database user.
Enter a username and password. We recommend clicking Password Generator to create a strong password. Copy the generated password to a secure location before clicking Use Password, then click Create User.

MySQL Database Wizard user creation screen with username and password fields — Creating a database user with credentials.

cPanel password generator showing a strong randomly generated password — The password generator creates secure credentials.

Set user permissions.
Select ALL PRIVILEGES to grant full database access. This allows your application to read, write and modify database content. Click Next Step.

MySQL Database Wizard privileges screen with ALL PRIVILEGES checkbox selected — Configuring user privileges for database access.

Your database is now ready. The wizard displays a completion message with your database name and username. You can create additional databases by clicking Create another database or return to cPanel.

Create a database manually

Manual database creation gives you more control over the process. This method works well when you need to create multiple databases or manage existing users separately.

Open MySQL Databases.
In cPanel, locate the Databases section and click MySQL Databases.

cPanel dashboard showing the MySQL Databases icon in the Databases section — The MySQL Databases tool in cPanel.

Create the database.
Under Create New Database, enter your database name and click Create Database. Click Go Back after the confirmation message appears.

MySQL Databases interface showing the Create New Database input field and button — Creating a database manually in cPanel.

Create a database user.
Scroll to MySQL Users and locate Add New User. Enter a username and password, then click Create User. Click Go Back after creation.

MySQL Users section showing username and password fields for creating a new user — Adding a new MySQL user.

Connect the user to the database.
Scroll to Add User To Database. Select your username from the User dropdown and your database from the Database dropdown. Click Add.

Add User To Database interface with dropdown menus for selecting user and database — Connecting a user to a database.

Set permissions.
Select ALL PRIVILEGES to grant full access, then click Make Changes.

Manage User Privileges screen with ALL PRIVILEGES checkbox selected — Setting user privileges for the database.

Your database and user are now configured. You can create additional databases or users by repeating these steps.

Wrapping up

You have created a MySQL database in cPanel and configured a user with full permissions. Your application can now connect using the database name, username and password you created.

Keep your database credentials secure. Store them in a password manager or secure note. If you need to create additional databases for other applications, repeat the process with different names. Our guide on installing WordPress in cPanel shows you how to use these credentials during application setup.