Resetting mysql root password in linux
MySQL is one of the most popular relational database management systems used by developers, system administrators, and businesses worldwide. As with any system, it is crucial to secure it by having a strong password for the root account. However, there may be occasions when you forget or misplace the root password or need to reset it for security reasons. In this article, we will explore how to reset the MySQL root password in a Linux environment.
Before we start, note that this process assumes you have administrative access to the Linux server where MySQL is installed.
Step 1: Stop the MySQL service
To begin the password reset process, you need to stop the running MySQL service. Open a terminal window and type the following command:
sudo service mysql stop
Step 2: Start MySQL in safe mode
Now you need to start the MySQL service in safe mode, which allows you to reset the root password without authentication. Enter the following command:
sudo mysqld_safe —skip-grant-tables &
The «—skip-grant-tables» flag tells MySQL to skip the process of checking user privileges, allowing you to modify the root password without any limitations.
Step 3: Access MySQL command line
With MySQL running in safe mode, you can now access the MySQL command line interface without providing a password. Open a new terminal window and type:
mysql -u root
This command connects you to the MySQL server as the root user.
Step 4: Reset the root password
Once you are in the MySQL command line interface, you can reset the root password. Execute the following commands:
USE mysql;
UPDATE user SET authentication_string=PASSWORD(‘new_password’) WHERE User=’root’;
FLUSH PRIVILEGES;
QUIT;
Replace «new_password» with your desired strong password. This command updates the user table in the MySQL system database to set the new password for the root user. The «FLUSH PRIVILEGES» command reloads the updated user table, and «QUIT» allows you to exit the MySQL command line interface.
Step 5: Restart MySQL
With the root password successfully reset, you can now restart the MySQL service to apply the changes. Type the following command:
sudo service mysql start
Step 6: Test the new root password
To ensure the password reset was successful, attempt to log in to MySQL with the new root password using the following command:
mysql -u root -p
You will be prompted to enter the password. If you can successfully log in, then congratulations, you have reset the MySQL root password!
It is important to remember to securely store the newly reset root password in a safe location. Creating a password manager or using an encrypted storage solution is highly recommended to prevent password loss or unauthorized access.
In conclusion, forgetting or needing to reset the MySQL root password can be a stressful situation, but with the steps outlined above, you can easily regain control of your MySQL installation. Remember to always prioritize the security of your database system by using strong, unique passwords and adhering to other best practices for securing your MySQL environment.
