How to add a new user to a MySQL database

What is a database user?

A database holds your site's data. A database user is an account that is allowed to open it. It has a name and a password. Think of it as a key. You can give each app or person their own key, and decide what each key can do.

Steps in cPanel

cPanel is the control panel for your hosting account.

1. Log in to your client area. Open your hosting service and log in to cPanel.
2. Under Databases, click MySQL Databases.
3. Scroll to MySQL Users and find Add New User.

   

4. Type a user name. cPanel adds your account name in front of it.
5. Type a strong password. Use the Password Generator button if you like. Save the password in a safe place.
6. Click Create User.

The user exists now. But it cannot open any database yet. You must link it to one.

Add the user to a database

1. Scroll down to Add User To Database.
2. Choose the user from the first list.
3. Choose the database from the second list.
4. Click Add.
5. A page of privileges opens. Privileges are the actions the user may do, such as reading or deleting data.
6. Tick ALL PRIVILEGES if the user needs full control. For a limited user, tick only some boxes.
7. Click Make Changes.

Steps with a command

If you manage your own server, you can use SQL. This needs an admin account.

CREATE USER 'newuser'@'localhost' IDENTIFIED BY 'StrongPassword';
GRANT ALL PRIVILEGES ON dbname.* TO 'newuser'@'localhost';
FLUSH PRIVILEGES;

The first line makes the user. The second gives it rights on the database named dbname. The third reloads the rights.

Quick recap

• A database user is a key to a database.
• In cPanel, use MySQL Databases, then Create User.
• Then use Add User To Database and pick privileges.
• Use a strong password and save it safely.
• Ask Hostvento support if you get stuck.