How to Reset the MySQL Root Password

If you’ve forgotten your MySQL root password, resetting it is straightforward. Follow these steps carefully:

Step 1: Stop the MySQL Service

Before making changes, stop the MySQL service to prevent conflicts.

• Linux (Systemd-based systems):
  sudo systemctl stop mysql

• Windows:
  1. Open the Services app.
  2. Find the MySQL service.
  3. Right-click and select Stop.

Step 2: Start MySQL in Safe Mode

Start MySQL without loading the privilege tables, allowing unrestricted access.

• Linux:
  sudo mysqld_safe –skip-grant-tables &
  

• Windows: Open a terminal and navigate to the MySQL bin directory (e.g., C:\Program Files\MySQL\MySQL Server 8.0\bin) and run:
  mysqld –skip-grant-tables

Step 3: Log in Without a Password

Connect to the MySQL server:
mysql -u root

Step 4: Update the Root Password

Run the following commands to reset the password:

1. Use the mysql database: USE mysql;

2. Update the password (replace new_password with your desired password):

   • MySQL 5.7 and later: ALTER USER ‘root’@’localhost’ IDENTIFIED BY ‘new_password’;

   • MySQL 5.6 and earlier: SET PASSWORD FOR ‘root’@’localhost’ = PASSWORD(‘new_password’);

3. Flush privileges: FLUSH PRIVILEGES;

4. Exit MySQL: EXIT;

Step 5: Restart MySQL Normally

Stop the safe mode instance and restart the service normally.

• Linux: sudo systemctl restart mysql
• Windows:
  
  1. Open the Services app.
  2. Find the MySQL service.
  3. Right-click and select Start.

Step 6: Test the New Password

Verify the new password by logging in:
mysql -u root -p

Enter your new password when prompted.

By following these steps, you can reset your MySQL root password and regain access to your database.

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