If you're using WordPress, sooner or later you may encounter a "Database Connection Error" message. This is one of the more frustrating problems that can arise when administering a site. What exactly is this message? And how to deal with this problem? We answer.
A ‘database connection error’ means that WordPress is unable to connect to the database where it stores all the relevant information about the site: from post content to configuration settings. When this error occurs, the entire site stops working. As a site cannot function without access to the database, this error has a huge impact on its performance and accessibility for visitors.
Understanding why the error occurs is key to fixing it. Here are the main causes that can lead to a WordPress database connection problem and will help you start looking for the cause of the error:
1. Invalid database access credentials
The **wp-config.php** file is one of the most important files in WordPress. It is the one that stores all the settings needed to connect to the database. Even the smallest error in data such as database name (DB_NAME), user name (DB_USER), password (DB_PASSWORD) or host name (DB_HOST) will prevent a correct connection to the database.
2. Corrupted database
Damaged databases can result from the installation of incorrect plug-ins, hacking attempts, upgrade errors or server failures. A damaged database structure can prevent the correct connection and operation of the website.
3. Database server problems
Database servers can suffer from overloads, MySQL service failures or temporary maintenance work that significantly affect the connectivity and availability of the database.
Read related article: WordPress php update.
4. Recent changes to the site
Often sudden changes such as installing new plugins, changing themes or modifications to WordPress files can affect the performance of the database connection, especially if these changes have been made incorrectly.
5. Exceeding the database capacity limit
Hosting providers often impose limits on database capacity, which can lead to problems if this limit is exceeded. In such cases, the website may not work properly or not at all.
To deal with a WordPress database error, the first step is correct diagnosis. Here are the steps to help you diagnose the cause of the problem.
1. Check access data in wp-config.php
Start the diagnosis by checking the wp-config.php file, which can be found in the root directory of your WordPress installation. In the section defining database-related constants, check the correctness of the entries for DB_NAME, DB_USER, DB_PASSWORD and DB_HOST. A small error in any of these fields can cause a problem.DB_HOST validation
In most cases, WordPress uses the value localhost as the address of the database server. However, some hosting companies require a different address, such as mysql.hostname.com or 127.0.0.1. If you are having problems connecting, check your hosting documentation or contact their support to confirm the correct DB_HOST address .
2. Testing the database connection
To make sure your data is correct, use tools such as phpMyAdmin. These allow you to directly log into the database using the same data as in the wp-config.php file. If the login fails, you may need to correct the access data.
3. Checking the status of the database server
If you are sure that the access data is correct, the next step is to check that the database server is working properly. To do this, you can contact your hosting provider or check the server status notifications on the customer panel offered by the hosting provider.
4. Analyse recent changes to the site
If the error occurred shortly after installing new plugins or themes, check whether any of these changes are causing the problem. You can temporarily deactivate the new elements and see if the problem resolves.
Once you have diagnosed the cause, it’s time for a fix. The following methods will help you get your site working properly again.
1. Correct the access data in wp-config.php
If you have found errors in your access data, correct them in the wp-config.php file. Updating the correct data should automatically restore access to the database and allow the site to function normally again. Remember to use strong, secure passwords.
Also check out our article ‘What is a wordpress database?’
2. Repair a corrupt database
WordPress offers a built-in database repair feature. To use it, add the line to the wp-config.php file:
“php
define(‘WP_ALLOW_REPAIR’, true);
“`
Then navigate to `http://twojastrona.pl/wp-admin/maint/repair.php` and execute the repair script. When finished, remove the added line from wp-config.php.
3. Contact your hosting provider
If you are having problems with your database server, contacting your hosting provider is often the easiest solution. They can check the current status of the server and provide the necessary assistance to resolve the problem.
4. Undo the last changes you made to the site
When the problem is due to recent changes, use an FTP client to rename the folder of the problematic plugins or themes in the wp-content/plugins or wp-content/themes directory. This temporarily deactivates them, which may help to restore the site to normal operation.
5. increase the database capacity limit
If the problem is the database capacity limit, contact your hosting provider to increase the limit or perform a database optimisation. Removing redundant data and optimising tables will help with space management.
6. Restore backup
If other methods fail, restoring your site from a WordPress backup can be an effective solution. Here are the shortened steps:
Restore using a plugin:
Log in to your WordPress dashboard. Navigate to the backup plugin tab (e.g. UpdraftPlus). Select the appropriate copy and click ‘Restore’.
Manual restore:
Import a copy of the database using phpMyAdmin. Connect to the server via FTP and upload the previously saved site files.
To avoid similar problems in the future, it is a good idea to implement some good practices.
1. Make regular backups
Regularly backing up your database and site files is key to quickly recovering your site in the event of a disaster. Use plugins such as UpdraftPlus to automate the backup process.
2. Be careful when installing plugins and themes
Before installing a new plugin or theme, check their reviews and make sure they are from a trusted source. Avoid outdated or obsolete plugins, which can be vulnerable.
3. Monitor server health
Use tools to monitor server performance and availability. Tools such as UptimeRobot can automatically send alerts when your site is unavailable, allowing you to respond quickly.
4. Update WordPress and its components regularly
Always ensure that WordPress, plugins and themes are updated. Updates often include bug and security fixes to protect your site from attacks.
5. Optimise and clean your database
Optimising your database regularly helps to maintain its performance and reduces the risk of connection problems. Use plugins such as WP-Optimize or Advanced Database Cleaner to remove unnecessary data, such as old versions of posts, spam comments and unused tables.
6. Limit the number of active plugins
Too many plugins can overload the database and cause conflicts. Regularly review the list of active plugins and deactivate those you no longer use. Always choose lightweight and well-optimised add-ons.
1. How do I check for errors in the WordPress database?
You can use WordPress’ built-in repair function. Add a line to your wp-config.php file:
define(‘WP_ALLOW_REPAIR’, true);Then go to yourwebsite.co.uk/wp-admin/maint/repair.php and run the repair. You can also check the errors in phpMyAdmin or in the server logs.
2. How to fix the ‘Error establishing a database connection’ error in WordPress?
Restore the site from a backup if other methods fail.
Check the correctness of the access data (wp-config.php).
Test the database connection in phpMyAdmin.
Contact your web host in case of problems with the MySQL server.
Repair the corrupted database (WP_ALLOW_REPAIR).
Undo recent changes (e.g. disable problematic plugins).
