Fixing "Error establishing a database connection" in WordPress

Instead of your site, you get one stark sentence: “Error establishing a database connection”. WordPress can’t reach its database – and without the database it has nothing to show. The causes are limited; we’ll work through them in order.

1. Are the Credentials in wp-config.php Correct?

The most common trigger, especially after a server or hosting migration. Open wp-config.php in the root directory and check these four values:

define( 'DB_NAME', 'database_name' );
define( 'DB_USER', 'user' );
define( 'DB_PASSWORD', 'password' );
define( 'DB_HOST', 'localhost' );

DB_HOST is often localhost, but with some hosts it’s a dedicated server name or an IP with a port (e.g. db1234.host.com:3306). You’ll find the right value in your host’s database overview. A common stumbling block: special characters in the password that got altered when copied.

A temporary test script tells you in a minute whether the credentials are right – including a plain-language explanation of the MySQL error:

Also available as a standalone page with all guides: connection test.

2. Is the Database Server Even Running?

Under heavy traffic or with tight resources, the database server can be briefly unreachable. Check whether other sites on the same hosting are affected, and look into phpMyAdmin – if you can log in there with the same credentials, you’ll know whether the problem is the credentials or the server. An exceeded storage or connection limit on your plan can also cut the connection; that usually shows in the hosting panel.

3. Is the Database Corrupted?

If the front end won’t load but the admin shows “One or more database tables are unavailable”, WordPress’s built-in repair often helps. Add to wp-config.php:

define( 'WP_ALLOW_REPAIR', true );

Then visit https://www.domain.tld/wp-admin/maint/repair.php, run the repair – and remove the line again afterwards, otherwise the page is reachable without a login.

4. Reset Credentials with Your Host

If the database password has changed or the user is locked, reset both in the hosting panel and enter them in wp-config.php. If you’re in the database anyway and still have login issues, Regain access to your WordPress admin takes it from there.

Quick Checklist

1. Check the credentials in wp-config.php (name, user, password, host).
2. Log into phpMyAdmin with the same details.
3. Check other sites on the server → contact your host.
4. Repair via WP_ALLOW_REPAIR (remove the line afterwards).

An overview of other error patterns is in the overview of WordPress errors.

If the connection stays down, or you’d rather not touch credentials and the database yourself: drop us a line – we’ll restore the connection. With an ongoing maintenance plan, an outage like this shows up in monitoring before your visitors notice it.