Knowledgebase

WordPress Error Establishing a Database Connection

In a nutshell, you are getting this error because WordPress struggles to establish a database connection. Now the key reason why WordPress is unable to begin a database connection can vary. Maybe your database login credentials are wrong or have been changed. It could be that a database server is unresponsive. Maybe your database has been corrupted. In our experience, majority of the times this error happens because of some type of server error however there may be other factors as well. Lets have a look at how to go about troubleshooting this problem.

The message, "Error establishing a database connection", usually means one of two things:
1. Database server is down (not operating)
2. You have wrong information in your wp-config.php--either the DB_HOST, DB_USER, DB_PASSWORD, DB_NAME, or table_prefix is incorrect.

1. Check your database login credentials. Make sure that the username, password, and database name you're using are correct. You can find these details in your WordPress wp-config.php file.
2. Repair your database. If your database is corrupt, you can try repairing it using the phpMyAdmin tool.
3. Check your database server. If your database server is down or experiencing problems, you'll need to contact your hosting provider.

Be sure the database is name is complete and correct along with the database username and that the username is added to the database with all or proper privileges.

The error Error Establishing a Database Connection can also occur if the MySQL / MariaDB service is not up and running. Be sure the service is up and operational.

This can also occur if there is database corruption. Log into your hosting control panel with us and select MySQL the database and repair options.