What Is Remote MySQL Access?
By default, MySQL on your cPanel server only accepts connections from localhost. Remote MySQL access allows external servers or applications (such as a separate web server, a local development environment, or a third-party tool) to connect to MySQL databases hosted on your server. You configure this by adding the remote host's IP address or hostname to the allowed list.
Steps to Enable Remote MySQL Access
- Log in to WHM as the root user.
- Navigate to Home » SQL Services » Additional MySQL Access Hosts (in cPanel & WHM version 120 and later, this is called Home » Database Services » Manage Database Access Hosts).
- In the text box, enter the IP address or hostname (FQDN) of the remote server that needs access. You can use the
%wildcard — for example,192.168.1.%allows any IP in that subnet. - Click Save.
The system applies this list to every cPanel user and every MySQL user on the server. Individual cPanel users can also add their own remote hosts via cPanel » Databases » Remote MySQL®.
Important Notes
- Remote MySQL access is not the same as enabling the MySQL service itself. Make sure MySQL is running (Home » Service Configuration » Service Manager).
- You must also ensure your firewall (e.g., CSF) allows inbound connections on MySQL port
3306from the remote IP. - MySQL users still need the correct username, password, and database privileges to connect remotely.
- cPanel users cannot permanently remove hosts that you add at the WHM level. The system restores them automatically.
- Use the
%wildcard cautiously — it grants access from any matching IP or hostname.
Troubleshooting
- Connection refused: Check that MySQL is listening on the correct port and your firewall allows traffic on port
3306from the remote IP. - Access denied for user: Verify the MySQL user exists, the password is correct, and the user has privileges for the specific database.
- Can't find the interface: In WHM 120+, navigate to Home » Database Services » Manage Database Access Hosts. In older versions, look under Home » SQL Services » Additional MySQL Access Hosts.
For official documentation, see the cPanel Additional MySQL Access Hosts guide.
