Remote MySQL Access
Remote MySQL access through port 3306 is available on our hosting servers when configured for your account.
This allows an external computer, server, application, or service to connect directly to your MySQL database.
For security, remote MySQL access should only be enabled for trusted IP addresses.
When Do I Need Remote MySQL Access?
You need remote MySQL access when a system outside your hosting account must connect directly to your database.
Examples include:
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A remotely hosted application or API
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Another web server
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A desktop database program
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A development computer
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An external reporting or inventory platform
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A database synchronization service
If your website and database are hosted within the same hosting account, remote access is usually not required. Use the database hostname assigned to your server instead.
MySQL Hostnames
The correct MySQL hostname can vary depending on which server hosts your account.
Some servers use MySQL locally and may use:
localhost
Other servers use a dedicated MySQL server and require a server hostname instead.
Always use the database hostname provided in your hosting welcome email or account information. If you are unsure, contact support and we can confirm the correct hostname.
Enabling Remote MySQL Access
Remote MySQL access can be configured from cPanel.
Go to:
cPanel > Remote Database Access
Add the public IP address of the computer, server, or service that needs access.
You will also need:
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Database hostname
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Database name
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Database username
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Database password
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MySQL port, normally 3306
The database user must also be assigned to the database with the required permissions.
Remote MySQL Security
Remote MySQL should only be enabled for trusted IP addresses.
For better security:
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Allow only the IP addresses that require access
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Use strong database passwords
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Remove old or unused remote IP addresses
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Grant database users only the permissions they need
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Avoid allowing access from all public IP addresses
Opening MySQL to every public IP address is strongly discouraged.
Standard Web Hosting and Reseller Hosting
Standard Web Hosting and Reseller Hosting now support remote MySQL access.
This means you can connect directly to your database from approved external IP addresses without needing to upgrade to DEV Hosting or VPS Hosting.
For normal websites hosted directly within your account, however, you should continue using the database hostname assigned to your server. Remote access is only necessary when an outside system needs to connect directly to MySQL.
Need Help?
If you need help connecting an external application, server, or computer to MySQL, open a support ticket with:
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Your domain or hosting account
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The external IP address requiring access
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The application or service making the connection
We can confirm the correct database hostname and help verify your remote MySQL settings.
