How to Reset MySQL root Account Password

MySQL is an open source database software widely used for websites as back-end storage. Some times we forgot our MySQL root account password. This article will help you to reset root account password with simple steps.

Step 1: Stop MySQL

First stop MySQL server using below following command

# service mysqld stop

Step 2: Start MySQL in SafeMode

Now start MySQL server in safe mode using following command. while starting mysql in safe mode it will not prompt for password.

# mysqld_safe --skip-grant-tables &

Step 3: Change root Password

Now login to mysql server using root user and change password using following set of commands.

# mysql -u root
mysql> use mysql;
mysql> update user set password=PASSWORD("NEW-ROOT-PASSWORD") where User='root';
mysql> flush privileges;
mysql> quit

Step 4: Restart MySQL

After changing password stop mysql (running in safe mode) and start it again

# service mysqld stop
# service mysqld start

Step 5: Verify New Password

After resetting mysql root account password and restarting, just verify new password by login.

# mysql -u root -p

Enter password:
Welcome to the MySQL monitor.  Commands end with ; or \g.
Your MySQL connection id is 51
Server version: 5.5.34 MySQL Community Server (GPL) by Remi

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