# Updating WordPress database configuration settings

> Fix 'Error establishing a database connection' by checking and updating the database name, user and password in wp-config.php.

Source: https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/wordpress/guides/updating-wordpress-database-configuration-settings/

If your WordPress site shows the error **“Error establishing a database connection”**, it usually means the database configuration in `wp-config.php` does not match your actual database settings. On **ruachost.com**, you can fix this by updating the configuration file with the correct credentials.

## Why Update Database Settings?

- Resolve connection errors after migrations or imports.
- Ensure WordPress can communicate with the correct database.
- Restore site functionality when credentials change.

## Steps to Update Database Configuration

### Step 1: Determine Correct Database Settings

1. **Log in to cPanel** from your ruachost.com  hosting account.
2. Go to **Databases → phpMyAdmin**.
3. In the left panel, locate your WordPress database name.

   - Typically formatted as `username_wpXXX`.
4. Click the database → Note the **table prefix** (usually `wp_`).
5. Return to **Databases → MySQL Databases**.
6. Note the **database username** associated with your WordPress database.
7. Reset the database user’s password if you don’t know it.

### Step 2: Update `wp-config.php`

1. In cPanel, go to **Files → File Manager**.
2. Navigate to your WordPress installation directory (usually `public_html`).
3. Locate and edit the **wp-config.php** file.
4. Update the following lines with your correct database details:

   ```
   define('DB_NAME', 'username_wp123');      // Database name
   define('DB_USER', 'username_wpuser');     // Database username
   define('DB_PASSWORD', 'your_password');   // Database password
   define('DB_HOST', 'localhost');           // Database host
   $table_prefix = 'wp_';                    // Table prefix
   ```
5. Save changes.
6. Visit your WordPress site → It should now load correctly.

## Important Notes

- Always back up your site before editing configuration files.
- Do not use weak passwords for database users.
- If your hosting environment uses a remote database server, replace `localhost` with the correct hostname.
- Ensure the `$table_prefix` matches the prefix used in your database tables.