How to Reset MySQL Root Password?

In today's article, we will explore what are databases, as well as provide you with a short tutorial on how to reset the root password in MySQL.

Updated: 29 Jan, 24 by Antoniy Yushkevych 5 Min

List of content you will read in this article:

There are many different database services out there and MySQL is one of the more popular ones. It is a part of some of the most used stacks out there such as LAMP (i.e. Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP), WAMP (i.e. Windows, Apache, mysql, PHP), and MAMP (i.e. macOS, Apache, MySQL, PHP). By definition, it is an open-source relational database management system (RDBMS) with a client-server model. Here, We will go through MySQL reset root password.

🔐 "Ready to fortify your online security? Learn more about the importance of password strength in our comprehensive guide: 'How to Choose a Strong Password'." 🔐

Step 1: Log in as MySQL User

The journey to fortifying your MySQL database begins with logging in as the MySQL user. This step ensures that you have the necessary permissions to execute the forthcoming operations seamlessly. Open your terminal and enter the following command:

mysql -u root -p

You'll be prompted to enter the current password for the root user.

Step 2: Stop the MySQL Server

Before making any changes to the MySQL User Root Password, it's essential to halt the MySQL server. This ensures that no ongoing processes interfere with the modification. Execute the following command to stop the server:

sudo service mysql stop

Step 3: Create a Password File

Now, it's time to create a password file that will store the new MySQL User Root Password securely. Choose a location for the file and create it using a text editor like nano or vim. For instance:

sudo nano /var/mysql-password

Enter the new password in the file, save, and exit.

👉 Ready to become a Nano Text Editor pro? Dive deeper into advanced Nano commands and techniques by exploring our comprehensive guide on "How to Use Nano Text Editor"! 🚀

📥 Download our comprehensive "VIM Cheat Sheet PDF" for lightning-fast coding! 🚀

Step 4: Apply the Changes

Apply the changes to update the MySQL User Root Password. Use the following command, replacing 'path/to/password/file' with the actual path to your password file:

sudo mysqld_safe --init-file=path/to/password/file

Step 5: Restart the Server

With the password updated, it's time to restart the MySQL server. Ensure a smooth restart by executing the following command:

sudo service mysql start

Step 6: Log in and Clean Up

Now that the MySQL server is up and running with the new password, log in to confirm the changes:

mysql -u root -p

Enter the updated password when prompted. Once logged in, it's good practice to clean up the password file to maintain security:

sudo rm /var/mysql-password

Resetting the MySQL root password in Windows is a straightforward process. This tutorial outlines the steps using Windows 11, applicable also for Windows 10.

Step 1: Log in as Administrator

Access the Windows machine as an administrator for the necessary system-level modification rights.

Step 2: Stop MySQL server

  • Press Win+R, type services.msc, and press Enter.

How to Reset MySQL Root Password

  • Locate MySQL service, right-click, and select Stop.

How to Reset MySQL Root Password

Step 3: Create Password File

Create a password file (mysql-init.txt) with the new password using Notepad:

  • Press the Windows key, search for Notepad, and press Enter.
  • Add the line:

ALTER USER 'root'@'localhost' IDENTIFIED BY 'NewPassword'; (Replace 'NewPassword' with your chosen password).

How to Reset MySQL Root Password

  • Save the file to the root of your hard drive (C:).

Step 4: Open Command Prompt

Press the Windows key, type cmd, and select Run as administrator.

How to Reset MySQL Root Password

Step 5: Add New Parameters and Restart Server

  • Navigate to MySQL directory in Command Prompt using:

cd "C:\Program Files\MySQL\MySQL Server 5.7\bin"

  • Adjust version as needed.
  • Depending on installation method:
  • For ZIP archive installation, run:

mysqld --init-file=C:\\mysql-init.txt

In the command, you need to include the --defaults-file option, followed by the path to the configuration file. To obtain the file path, right-click the MySQL service in the services list and choose Properties.

How to Reset MySQL Root Password

  • For MySQL Installation Wizard, use:

mysqld --defaults-file="C:\\ProgramData\\MySQL\\MySQL Server 5.7\\my.ini" --init-file=C:\\mysql-init.txt

  • Restart MySQL service from Services list by right-clicking and selecting Start.

🔗 "Looking for more MySQL tips and tricks? Check out our comprehensive MySQL Cheat Sheet for a quick reference to all your database needs! 📊📚"

Step 6: Clean up

Log into MySQL with the new password. After confirming the change, delete the C:\mysql-init.txt file.

Successfully resetting the MySQL root password is a vital skill for database administrators and anyone managing a MySQL server. This guide aimed to provide clear, step-by-step instructions on how to reset the MySQL root password, a task that is essential for maintaining the security and integrity of your database. Remember, regularly updating your MySQL root password and following best security practices can help protect your database from unauthorized access. By following the procedures outlined, you can ensure that your MySQL database remains secure, and you retain full control over its access.

To reset a forgotten MySQL root password, stop the MySQL server, create a password file, and restart the server with the new password using the `--init-file` option.

Open Command Prompt with Administrator privileges, navigate to the MySQL bin directory, and use the `mysqld` command with the `--init-file` option to reset the MySQL root password.

Log in as the MySQL root user, use the `ALTER USER` statement to change the password, and then flush privileges to apply the changes. Alternatively, create a new password file, stop the server, apply changes, and restart it.

If you've forgotten your MySQL root password, check the MySQL configuration files for the password. If not found, reset the password using the `--skip-grant-tables` option during server startup and then update the password using SQL commands.

Antoniy Yushkevych

Antoniy Yushkevych

Master of word when it comes to technology, internet and privacy. I'm also your usual guy that always aims for the best result and takes a skateboard to work. If you need me, you will find me at the office's Counter-Strike championships on Fridays or at a.yushkevych@monovm.com