Table of Contents
Every WordPress or custom PHP site stores its content in a MySQL database. cPanel gives you direct access to create, browse, and repair those databases through phpMyAdmin.
1. Open MySQL Database Wizard
From cPanel's home screen, click MySQL Database Wizard under Databases for a guided setup, or MySQL Databases for direct management.
2. Create a new database
Name your database, then create a matching database user with a secure password, and add that user to the database with the privileges it needs — save these credentials somewhere safe.
3. Open phpMyAdmin
From cPanel's home screen, click phpMyAdmin under Databases to browse your tables directly in the browser without installing anything.
4. Export a database backup
Inside phpMyAdmin, click Export, keep the default "Quick" method and SQL format, and download the file — useful before making any direct database change.
Key takeaway: Always export a database backup before running a manual query — a single incorrect SQL command can affect every row in a table at once.
5. Common WordPress fixes
Locked out of wp-admin? The wp_users table lets you reset a password hash directly. Site URL changed? The wp_options table's siteurl and home rows control that.
6. Optimise and repair tables
Select all tables in phpMyAdmin, then choose Optimize table from the dropdown menu. This tidies up storage and can resolve minor corruption issues.
7. Manage database users
Under MySQL Databases, you can add extra database users or adjust an existing user's privileges — handy when handing limited access to a freelance developer.