Databases in cPanel

Updated on March 30, 2026

6 min read

Doc Summary

Introduction #

A (MySQL) database is used to store structured data for websites and applications. Most modern websites need a database to function correctly. At ProRedLine we know how important databases are, therefore there are almost no limitations on our databases. We will explain more about the MySQL databases we use with cPanel in this doc.

Understanding MySQL Databases in cPanel #

A MySQL database is used to store structured website or application data. For many modern websites, the database is one of the core parts of how the site works behind the scenes. Instead of storing everything directly in static files, dynamic platforms use a database to store and retrieve information as needed.

Examples of data that may be stored in a database include website content such as posts and pages, user accounts, settings and configuration data, contact form submissions, and e-commerce data such as orders or customer information. If you are using a content management system such as WordPress, Joomla, or similar software, a MySQL database is usually required.

In cPanel, database management tools are located in the Databases section. Depending on what you need to do, you will usually see tools such as MySQL Databases, MySQL Database Wizard, and phpMyAdmin. Each of these tools has a different purpose, but together they are used to create, manage, and work with databases.

Using the database tools in cPanel, you can create new databases, create database users, assign users to databases, manage database permissions, and view the databases and users already linked to your account. Databases are not created automatically unless software installation or setup does that for you.

It is important to understand that a database cannot be used on its own without a database user. A database user has a username and password and must be assigned to one or more databases. Permissions are then granted to define what that user is allowed to do, such as reading, writing, updating, or deleting data. If permissions are missing or configured incorrectly, this can cause website or application errors.

Websites connect to a database by using a database name, database username, database password, and database host. These details are usually stored in a configuration file. In WordPress, for example, this is commonly the wp-config.php file. If one of these details is incorrect, the website will not be able to connect to the database properly.

phpMyAdmin Basics #

phpMyAdmin is a web-based tool in cPanel that allows you to work directly with existing MySQL databases through your browser. It is commonly used when you need to view database content, inspect tables, import a database backup, export a copy of a database, or perform more direct database-related actions.

Unlike the standard MySQL database tools in cPanel, phpMyAdmin is not used to create hosting packages or set up the full database structure from scratch. Instead, it is mainly intended for managing databases that already exist.

In cPanel, phpMyAdmin can be found in the Databases section. After opening it, the tool will usually load in a new browser tab. The interface shows the databases your cPanel account has access to, with the available databases listed on the left side. Once a database is selected, you can view its tables and use tabs such as Browse, Structure, SQL, Import, and Export to work with the data.

One of the most common uses of phpMyAdmin is browsing database tables. This allows you to inspect stored rows and columns directly from the browser. Because changes made in phpMyAdmin are applied immediately, manual edits should be handled carefully.

phpMyAdmin is also often used to import or export databases. Importing is useful when restoring a website backup, migrating a website, or replacing damaged database content with a known working version. In most cases, this is done by selecting the correct database, opening the Import tab, choosing a database file such as a .sql file, and starting the import process. Larger imports may take more time depending on the file size.

Exporting is commonly used to create a database backup. This can be done by selecting the database, opening the Export tab, and downloading a copy of the database to your device. For most normal use cases, the standard export option is sufficient.

Creating Databases with the Database Wizard #

The (MySQL) Database Wizard in cPanel is the simplest way to create a new database setup. It is designed to guide you through the required steps in the correct order, which makes it the recommended option for most users.

Instead of creating everything manually, the wizard helps you complete the full setup by guiding you through:

creating a new MySQL database
creating a database user
setting a password for that user
assigning the user to the database with the required permissions

Without the wizard, these steps must be completed manually and in the correct order.

Where to Find the Database Wizard #

To open the Database Wizard in cPanel:

log in to cPanel
go to the Databases section
click Database Wizard

How the Setup Process Works #

The wizard begins by asking you to create a database name. When the database is created, cPanel automatically adds your cPanel username as a prefix. This is normal and cannot be changed.

Next, you create a database user. You will need to choose a username and set a strong password. It is important to save these details, as they are usually needed later when connecting your website or application to the database.

After that, the wizard asks which permissions the user should have. For most websites and applications, the correct choice is All Privileges, as this allows the site to read, write, update, and manage its own data properly.

Once the permissions are applied, the setup in cPanel is complete. At that point, you have:

a database
a database user
a user linked to that database with the selected permissions

No further setup is usually required inside cPanel itself.

Using the Database with Your Website #

After creating the database, the website or application still needs to be configured to use it. This normally requires:

the database name
the database username
the database password
the database host

In most hosting environments, the database host is localhost, unless stated otherwise. These details are then entered into the configuration file of the website or application.

When to Use the Database Wizard #

The MySQL Database Wizard is the best option when you want a quick and correct setup, especially for manual installations of WordPress, other content management systems, or similar web applications. It is generally the easiest and safest method for standard hosting use.

Remote Database Access #

Remote Database Access allows a MySQL database to be accessed from outside the local hosting environment. This is mainly relevant when a website, application, or development environment needs to connect to the database from a different server or external location.

For normal Web Hosting or Site Hosting usage, remote database access is usually not required. Most websites connect to the database locally from within the same hosting environment.

At ProRedLine, database access is restricted by default for security reasons. The ProRedLine server is allowed by default, while external access from other hosts remains blocked unless it is explicitly allowed by the user.

When Remote Access May Be Used #

Remote access is typically only needed in situations such as:

a website or application connecting from a different server
a development environment connecting externally
a trusted external service requiring database access

How Remote Access Works #

To allow an external connection, a specific IP address or hostname must be added to the allowed hosts list in cPanel. Only the hosts that have been explicitly allowed will be able to connect.

This means remote access depends on: