"Error establishing a database connection"

Also searched as: wordpress database error

Updated 11 October 2026

Short answer

This is WordPress's message when it can't connect to its MySQL database. WordPress's own documentation says the usual cause is wrong database details in the wp-config.php file. The other common cause is that the database server is down or overloaded, which you'll see if the details haven't changed. Check wp-config.php first, then whether the database is running.

What's the problem

Your WordPress site (and often its admin area) shows only "Error establishing a database connection" on a white page.

Why it happens

  • Wrong details in wp-config.php: the database name, username, password or host (DB_NAME, DB_USER, DB_PASSWORD, DB_HOST) don't match. Common after moving hosts or changing the database password.
  • The database server is down or overloaded, often on shared hosting during busy times.
  • The database is corrupted, for example after a crash.
  • Too many connections from a traffic spike or a plugin.

How to fix it

  1. Open wp-config.php (in your site's root folder, via your host's file manager or FTP) and compare the database settings with the ones in your hosting control panel.
  2. If you moved hosts or changed the password, update wp-config.php to match.
  3. Check the database is running in your hosting panel, or ask your host.
  4. If the admin area shows a different message about repairing the database, WordPress can try to repair tables: add define( 'WP_ALLOW_REPAIR', true ); to wp-config.php, visit /wp-admin/maint/repair.php, then remove the line again.
  5. If it comes and goes, the database is likely overloaded. Ask your host about connection limits, or upgrade.

What Preventionlabs checks

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Sources

  1. WordPress: Common WordPress errorsofficial docsIf you get a page featuring the message “Error Establishing Database Connection”, this means that there is a problem with the connection to your database and there could be a number of reasons for this.
  2. WordPress: Common WordPress errorsofficial docs“Error establishing a database connection” is usually caused by an error in your wp-config.php file.
  3. WordPress: Editing wp-config.phpofficial docsThe script can be found at {$your_site}/wp-admin/maint/repair.php .

Related

Database connection error Your app can't reach its database: the database is stopped, the address or password is wrong, or a firewall is blocking it. Check them in that order. WordPress error Read the exact message: a critical error, a database error, maintenance mode, a 500, or a blank page each have their own fix. Here's how to tell them apart. "Too many connections" database error Every database connection is in use. Usually your app opens connections and doesn't close them, or traffic outgrew the limit. Fix leaks first. WordPress white screen of death A blank white page means a PHP or database error WordPress didn't show. Turn on debug logging to see it, then disable plugins or the theme to find the cause.

Preventionlabs is independent and not affiliated with WordPress. Product names are used only to describe the problem.

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