How to change MySQL user password via WHM?

WHM provides an interface to change any MySQL or MariaDB database user password directly, without needing the current password. This is useful when a user forgets their database password or if an account has been compromised.

Step 1: Log in to WHM

Open your browser and navigate to https://your-server-ip:2087. Enter your root credentials to access the WHM dashboard.

Step 2: Navigate to the Password Interface

Use the left-hand sidebar:

• WHM 120 and later: Go to Home » Database Services » Change Database User Password
• WHM 118 and earlier: Go to Home » SQL Services » Change MySQL User Password

Step 3: Select the Database User

From the MySQL User dropdown menu, select the database user whose password you want to change. The dropdown lists all MySQL/MariaDB users on the server.

Step 4: Enter and Confirm the New Password

Type the new password in the New Password field, then confirm it in the Confirm Password field. WHM evaluates password strength on a scale of 0–100. A green meter indicates the password meets your server's minimum strength requirement.

You can click Password Generator to create a strong, random password.

Step 5: Save the New Password

Click Change Password to apply the update. The new password takes effect immediately for all database connections.

Important Notes

• This interface changes the MySQL/MariaDB user password, not the cPanel account password.
• After changing a database password, you must update the password in any applications (WordPress, Joomla, etc.) that connect to that database, or they will lose access.
• This feature does not require the current password — use it carefully, as any WHM root user can reset any database password.
• cPanel users can also manage their own database passwords via cPanel » MySQL Databases.

Troubleshooting

• Cannot find the interface: In WHM 120+, it was renamed to Change Database User Password and moved under Database Services. Search for "database user password" in the WHM search bar.
• Application shows "Access denied" after password change: Update the database password in your application's configuration file (e.g., wp-config.php for WordPress).
• User not listed in the dropdown: The user may belong to a different database instance or may have been deleted. Verify the user exists via SSH with mysql -e "SELECT User FROM mysql.user;".

For official documentation, see cPanel & WHM — Change Database User Password.