How to Fix the Error Establishing a Database Connection in WordPress

Posted on by Martin

The “Error establishing a database connection” message in WordPress is a common issue that indicates your website is unable to connect to the database. This problem can be caused by several factors including incorrect database information in your WordPress settings, a corrupted database, issues with your web hosting server, or an overloaded or malfunctioning database server. Here’s how to troubleshoot and fix this error:

Check the WordPress Database Credentials

The most common reason for this error is incorrect database credentials in your WordPress configuration file (wp-config.php). This file contains the database name, username, password, and server that must match what’s set in your hosting account.

  • Access your website files using FTP or the File Manager in your hosting control panel.
  • Locate and edit the wp-config.php file.
  • Check the DB_NAME, DB_USER, DB_PASSWORD, and DB_HOST values. Ensure they match the database information provided by your hosting provider.
define('DB_NAME', 'database_name_here');
define('DB_USER', 'username_here');
define('DB_PASSWORD', 'password_here');
define('DB_HOST', 'localhost');
  • If any values were incorrect, update them and save the changes. Then, check your website again.

Check Your Database Host Information

Sometimes the database host information changes, especially if your website is on a managed WordPress hosting platform. If DB_HOST is set to localhost and you’re still experiencing issues, contact your hosting provider to confirm the correct database host information.

Repair WordPress Database

If the database is corrupted, WordPress has a built-in feature to repair it.

  • Add the following line to your wp-config.php file just before /* That's all, stop editing! Happy publishing. */:
define('WP_ALLOW_REPAIR', true);
  • After adding this line, visit http://yourwebsite.com/wp-admin/maint/repair.php (replace yourwebsite.com with your actual domain name).
  • Click on the Repair Database or Repair and Optimize Database button. WordPress will attempt to repair your database.
  • Important: Remove the line from your wp-config.php after the repair is done for security reasons.

Check Your Web Hosting Server

If your database credentials are correct and your database isn’t corrupted, the issue might be with your web hosting service.

  • The server might be down, or there might be a problem with the database service. Contact your hosting provider to check if there are any server-related issues.
  • If your website has recently experienced a surge in traffic, your database server might be overwhelmed. Your hosting provider can confirm this and suggest upgrading your hosting plan if needed.

Restore a Backup

If you’re unable to resolve the issue and you have a recent backup of your website, consider restoring it. Sometimes, restoring your website to a previous state when it was working correctly can fix the problem. Ensure you have a backup of your WordPress files and database before proceeding.

Update WordPress Site URL

In some cases, especially after a site migration or domain change, updating the WordPress site URL directly in the database can resolve connection issues. This should be done with caution and is recommended for advanced users:

  • Access your database via phpMyAdmin from your hosting control panel.
  • Go to the wp_options table. Look for the siteurl and home rows.
  • Ensure these rows contain the correct URL of your site. If not, edit them.

Conclusion

The “Error establishing a database connection” message can be frustrating, but by methodically going through these troubleshooting steps, you can identify and resolve the issue. Always ensure you have a recent backup before making any changes to your website or database. If the problem persists after trying these steps, it might be time to consult with a WordPress developer or get further assistance from your hosting provider.