What Is phpMyAdmin and How to Use It (Beginner-Friendly Guide)
Ever needed to change a WordPress setting in the database, fix a broken plugin entry, or import a backup fast? phpMyAdmin is a free, open source web tool (written in PHP) that lets you manage MySQL or MariaDB databases right in your browser. It’s common on shared hosting and local dev setups. In this guide, you’ll learn what phpMyAdmin does, how to handle a few basic tasks, and how to use it safely. (As of February 2026, the latest phpMyAdmin release is 5.2.3.)
What phpMyAdmin does (and what it does not)
phpMyAdmin is a graphical interface for database work. It is not a database server. MySQL or MariaDB stores your data, phpMyAdmin just gives you buttons and screens to manage it.
With phpMyAdmin, you can create databases and tables, browse rows, edit values, and run SQL queries. You can also import and export data for backups or moves. On top of that, it helps with user accounts, privileges, and routine maintenance tasks like checking, repairing, and optimizing tables.
Think of it like a control panel for your database, similar to using a file manager instead of typing terminal commands.
Common things you will use it for in real life
- Making a new database for a site or small app
- Checking a table when a form stops saving data
- Exporting a backup before updates
- Importing a
.sqlfile during a migration - Creating a limited database user for an app
How to open phpMyAdmin and find your way around
phpMyAdmin-style database management shown in a browser.
Most people open phpMyAdmin through a hosting control panel (often cPanel). On a local machine, it usually comes with XAMPP, WAMP, MAMP, or a LAMP setup. Common URLs look like yourdomain.com/phpmyadmin or http://localhost/phpmyadmin.
Once inside, the left sidebar lists databases and tables. The main area uses tabs such as Browse (view rows), Structure (columns and indexes), SQL (run queries), Insert (add rows), Import, and Export.
Which login should you use (and why root is risky)
phpMyAdmin uses a MySQL or MariaDB username, not your WordPress or site admin login. On live sites, avoid logging in as root because it has full power.
Use a normal database user with only the permissions your task needs. If something goes wrong, the damage stays smaller.
A quick beginner walkthrough, create a table, add data, run a query, then back it up
- Click New, enter a database name, choose
utf8mb4, then create it. - Click the database, then Create table, set a table name (for example,
users) and column count. - In Structure, add columns like:
id(INT, auto increment, primary key),name(VARCHAR),email(VARCHAR). - Open Insert to add a row, then click Go to save it.
- Use SQL and run a small query like
SELECT * FROM users;to confirm results. - Go to Export, choose SQL, then download a backup.
Import and export, the safest way to move data without panic
Use Export to download a copy of a database or table. Use Import to upload SQL or other formats (often CSV, sometimes JSON depending on setup). One simple rule helps: export a fresh backup before any big change. If an import fails, upload limits may be the cause, so you may need higher limits or the command line for huge files.
Security basics to keep phpMyAdmin from becoming a problem
On production sites, use HTTPS, keep phpMyAdmin updated, and set strong database passwords. Also restrict access with IP rules or an extra login layer when possible. If you don’t need phpMyAdmin exposed to the public internet, disable it. Finally, follow least privilege for app users, avoid DROP and GRANT unless you truly need them.
Conclusion
phpMyAdmin makes MySQL and MariaDB work feel approachable because it runs in a browser. It’s great for quick checks, small edits, imports, and backups, especially while you’re learning. Practice on a test database first, then apply changes to production with care. If you want other options, Adminer is lightweight, while MySQL Workbench or DBeaver fit bigger desktop workflows. Next step: export a backup, then try one small, safe change.
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