Short answer #
Every Starter, Simple and Business plan includes databases: Starter 4, Simple 8 and Business 16. Databases run on MariaDB, which is compatible with MySQL, so a site that asks for a MySQL database, such as WordPress or Joomla, runs on it. You manage your databases from your hosting panel, and phpMyAdmin is included. Our plans are shared hosting with container isolation for each account, so you do not get root access to the database server. Server-level steps you may find online (stopping mysqld, copying /var/lib/mysql, running tools as root) do not apply.
Which database do you use? #
MariaDB. MariaDB is compatible with MySQL, so apps and plugins that ask for a MySQL database work with it. Where an app’s settings say “MySQL”, use your MariaDB database details.
Creating a database #
- Open your hosting panel from your Get Simple account. See Open your hosting panel.
- In your hosting panel, open your site and go to its databases.
- Create the database and a database user, and give that user access to the database.
- Enter the database name, user and password in your app’s settings, along with any other connection details your panel shows for the database.
WordPress and Joomla: when you install the app from the panel with Install an app, the installer usually sets up the database as part of the install. See Install WordPress.
Managing your data #
- phpMyAdmin: included on every plan. Open it from your site in the hosting panel. Use it to browse tables, run queries, and import or export
.sqlfiles. - Command line: there is no SSH or command-line access on Starter, Simple or Business. Use phpMyAdmin instead.
Backups #
- Off-server backups are included on every plan, on one schedule at least 48 hours apart, and they include your databases.
- You can restore a backup yourself from your hosting panel on every plan.
- For your own copy before a big change, export the database to a
.sqlfile with phpMyAdmin. - Staging copies (Starter 1, Simple 2, Business 3) let you test changes before going live. A staging copy normally gets its own database, so your tests do not touch the live site’s data.
How many databases you get #
| Plan | Databases |
|---|---|
| Starter | 4 |
| Simple | 8 |
| Business | 16 |
On Starter or Simple and need more? Ask us and we will move you to a bigger plan at its listed price.
Keeping a database healthy #
- Keep WordPress, Joomla and their extensions up to date.
- Remove plugins you do not use. Many leave tables behind that you can clear after taking a backup.
- For a slow site, check your site’s caching settings first.
- If a table reports as crashed or will not open, restore a backup from your hosting panel, or open a ticket with the site, the database name and the exact error.
What is not offered #
- Root access to the database server, or changes to server-wide settings (for example
my.cnformysqldvariables). - SSH or command-line access.
- Server tools such as mytop that need root.
Learn more about MySQL #
- MySQL reference manual: https://dev.mysql.com/doc/
- MariaDB documentation: https://mariadb.com/docs
FAQ #
Can I use MySQL on the Starter plan? #
Yes. Starter includes 4 databases. They run on MariaDB, which is compatible with MySQL.
Do I get root access to MySQL? #
No. Plans are shared hosting with container isolation for each account, so you manage your own databases from the hosting panel and phpMyAdmin.
Are my databases backed up? #
Yes. Off-server backups on every plan include your databases, and you can restore them yourself from your hosting panel.
Can I connect with SSH? #
No. There is no SSH on Starter, Simple or Business. Use phpMyAdmin in your hosting panel.
How do I move my database from another host? #
Export it as a .sql file at your old host and import it with phpMyAdmin, or ask for a free migration (best effort, as listed on Pricing).
