Remote MySQL in cPanel: external connections
Use cPanel Remote MySQL to whitelist trusted IP addresses, connect from external applications, and avoid exposing databases with wildcard access.
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By default, cPanel MySQL databases are intended to be used by scripts on the same hosting account. Remote MySQL allows a trusted external server, application, or development IP to connect after you explicitly whitelist it.
When remote MySQL is needed
- An external application server needs to read or write to a cPanel database.
- A developer needs temporary database access from a fixed office or VPN IP.
- A reporting tool or utility connects from another server.
If the website and database are on the same cPanel account, use localhost instead of Remote MySQL.
Whitelist an IP address
- Log in to cPanel.
- Open Databases and choose Remote MySQL.
- Enter the trusted remote IP address.
- Click Add Host.
Use the public IP address of the remote server or network. A local/private address such as 192.168.x.x will not work for internet connections.
Connection settings
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Host | Your server hostname or server IP. |
| Port | 3306 unless support has provided a different port. |
| Database | The full cPanel-prefixed database name, such as cpuser_app. |
| User | The full cPanel-prefixed database user, such as cpuser_appuser. |
| Password | The database user's password, not your cPanel password. |
mysql -h server.example.com -P 3306 -u cpuser_appuser -p cpuser_appSecurity guidance
- Whitelist only specific trusted IP addresses.
- Avoid
%wildcard access on production databases. - Create a database user with only the privileges the remote app needs.
- Remove temporary IPs when the test, or developer task is finished.
- Do not share your cPanel password for database access.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | What to check |
|---|---|
| Access denied | Confirm database username, password, database privileges, and cPanel prefix. |
| Connection times out | Confirm the remote public IP is whitelisted and port 3306 is not blocked by the remote network. |
| Works locally but not remotely | Local scripts should usually use localhost; remote access requires the external host IP. |
| Dynamic IP keeps changing | Use a VPN/static IP or connect from a fixed server instead of repeatedly broadening the whitelist. |
Related: Creating and managing MySQL databases in cPanel | Using phpMyAdmin in cPanel-import, export, and manage databases | How to secure your website | Error establishing a database connection-diagnosis and fix
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