By default, MySQL databases on your hosting server only accept connections from the local server (localhost). If you need to connect to your database from another server, a desktop application, or a cloud service, you'll need to whitelist the remote IP address.
Please note: Screens and options may vary slightly depending on your cPanel version and hosting plan.⚠️ Caution: Incorrect changes here can make your website inaccessible. If you are unsure about any step, please contact our support team before proceeding.
Adding a Remote MySQL Host
- Log in to your cPanel account.
- In the Databases section, click Remote MySQL.
- In the Host field, enter the IP address that needs access.
- Enter a specific IP (e.g. 203.0.113.50) for a single server. - Use the % wildcard to allow a range (e.g. 203.0.113.% allows all IPs from 203.0.113.0 to 203.0.113.255).
- Click Add Host.
Connecting Remotely
Use these connection details in your remote application or script:
| Setting | Value | |---------|-------| | Host | Your server's IP address or hostname | | Port | 3306 (default MySQL port) | | Database | Your database name (with cPanel prefix) | | Username | Your database username (with cPanel prefix) | | Password | Your database user's password |
Security Considerations
- Never use
%as the host (allowing all IPs) unless absolutely necessary and only temporarily. This opens your database to the entire internet. - Only whitelist the specific IP addresses that need access.
- Ensure the database user has only the minimum privileges required.
- Use SSL/TLS connections when connecting remotely to encrypt data in transit.
- Remove remote access entries when they're no longer needed.
Removing a Remote Host
On the Remote MySQL page, click Delete next to the host entry you want to remove.
Troubleshooting
- "Access denied" — Check that the IP address is correctly whitelisted, and that the username and password are correct.
- "Can't connect to MySQL server" — Verify the server hostname/IP, check that port 3306 is open on the server's firewall, and ensure your local network allows outbound connections on port 3306.
What Next?
- Creating a MySQL Database and User — Set up the database and user first.
- Managing Databases with phpMyAdmin — Manage the database through a web interface.
