Resetting the MySQL root password

This guide explains how to reset the MySQL root password, for example, if you have forgotten it.

Note: You must have root access on the server to perform these steps.

Steps to Reset the MySQL Root Password

1. Log in via SSH to your server.

Note: Run the following commands as the root user. You can either log in directly as root (not recommended for security reasons) or use su / sudo.

2. Stop the MySQL server:

• AlmaLinux / Fedora

service mysqld stop

• Debian / Ubuntu

service mysql stop

3. Restart MySQL with grant tables disabled:

mysqld_safe --skip-grant-tables &

Important: The & runs the command in the background, allowing you to continue typing commands.
Running MySQL this way is highly insecure—only do this briefly to reset the password.

4. Log into MySQL:

mysql

5. Reset the root password:

UPDATE mysql.user SET Password=PASSWORD('new-password') WHERE User='root';

Replace 'new-password' with your desired root password.

6. Apply changes and exit:

FLUSH PRIVILEGES;
exit;

7. Stop MySQL safely:

mysqladmin -u root -p shutdown

• Enter the new root password when prompted.

8. Start MySQL normally:

• AlmaLinux / Fedora

service mysqld start

• Debian / Ubuntu

service mysql start

Your MySQL root password is now successfully reset.