“Error establishing a database connection” in WordPress

WordPress can’t log in to its database. The cause is nearly always one of four things.

1. The details in wp-config.php

Open wp-config.php in System Info & Files › then File Manager and find:

define('DB_NAME', 'username_wp123');
define('DB_USER', 'username_wpuser');
define('DB_PASSWORD', '...');
define('DB_HOST', 'localhost');

Compare with Account Manager › then MySQL Management:

• Database and user names include your account prefix, for example username_wp123. Missing the prefix is the most common mistake after a migration.
• DB_HOST should be localhost.

2. The password

If you’re unsure the password is right, set a new password for the database user in Account Manager › then MySQL Management and put the same password in DB_PASSWORD. How to change a database user’s password

3. The user’s access to the database

In Account Manager › then MySQL Management, open the database and check the user is listed with privileges. If not, add the user to the database with all privileges. Managing database users and privileges

4. Damaged tables

If the front end shows the error but /wp-admin says tables need repair, add this to wp-config.php:

define('WP_ALLOW_REPAIR', true);

Visit /wp-admin/maint/repair.php, run the repair, then remove the line. How to repair and optimise database tables

Still failing?

If the credentials are definitely correct, check the status page for a database service problem, then open a ticket with the help desk.