Allow Remote MySQL Access in cPanel

What is remote MySQL?

MySQL is a database that holds your website's data. Normally only your own website, on the same server, can talk to it. Remote access lets a program on a different computer connect too. You may want this for a desktop database tool or an app on another server.

An IP address is a number that names a computer on the internet, like a house address. cPanel only lets in the addresses on your allowed list. Everyone else is blocked.

Warning: Each address you allow can try to reach your data. Allow only addresses you trust. Use a strong database password.

Find the IP address to allow

1. On the computer you want to connect from, open a browser.
2. Search for "what is my IP".
3. Write down the number shown. It looks like 203.0.113.25.

Add it in cPanel

1. Log in to cPanel.

   

2. In the Databases section, click Remote MySQL.
3. Under Add Access Host, type the IP address.
4. Add a note in the comment box, such as "office computer".
5. Click Add Host.

You can use % as a wildcard. It matches any number. For example, 203.0.113.% allows a whole range. The single % allows every computer, which is not safe. Avoid it.

Connect from the other computer

Use these details in your database tool.

• Host: your server name or IP. It is in your welcome email.
• Port: 3306, the usual MySQL port.
• User name and password: from MySQL Databases in cPanel.

  

• Database: the full database name, with its prefix.

The database user must be linked to the database. Check this in MySQL Databases.

If it does not connect

• Check the IP address for typing mistakes.
• A firewall may block port 3306. Ask Hostvento support to check.
• Remote access may be limited on your plan. Open a support ticket to ask.

Quick recap

• Remote MySQL lets another computer connect to your database.
• Add its IP address in Remote MySQL in cPanel.
• Avoid the single % wildcard.
• Connect with host, port 3306, user and password.
• Remove hosts you no longer need.