How to Fix the “Error Establishing a Database Connection” Issue?

Introduction

The “Error Establishing a Database Connection” message in WordPress means your website is unable to connect to its database.
This issue usually occurs due to incorrect database credentials, a corrupted database, server-related problems, or damaged WordPress files.

This guide walks you through the most common causes and step-by-step solutions to restore your website.

Step 1: Check Database Credentials in wp-config.php

Why Database Credentials Matter?

WordPress uses database credentials stored in the wp-config.php file to communicate with the database server.
If any of these details are incorrect, WordPress cannot load your site.

What to Verify in wp-config.php?

Confirm that the following values are correct:

DB_NAME – Database name
DB_USER – Database username
DB_PASSWORD – Database password
DB_HOST – Database host (commonly localhost)

Tip: These details must exactly match the database information in your hosting control panel.

How to Correct the Credentials?

If any value is incorrect:

Update it with the correct information
Save the file

Refresh your website to check if the issue is resolved

Step 2: Repair the WordPress Database

When to Use Database Repair ?

If database credentials are correct but the error persists, the database may be corrupted due to:

Improper shutdowns
Plugin or theme conflicts
Failed updates

Step 3: Check Database Server Status

Why the Database Server Might Be Down?

Database servers can fail due to:

High server load
Maintenance or downtime
Resource exhaustion

How to Confirm Server Issues?

To check if the issue is server-related:

Review your hosting dashboard for alerts
Check if other websites on the same server are affected
Contact BigCloudy Support to confirm any outages

Restart MySQL (Advanced Users)

If you are using VPS or dedicated hosting:

Restarting the MySQL service may resolve the issue

Tip: This step is recommended only for advanced users.

Step 4: Verify Corrupted or Missing WordPress Files

When WordPress Files Become Corrupted

WordPress core files may become corrupted due to:

Failed updates
Malware infections
File permission issues

How to Restore WordPress Core Files

To restore core files safely:

Download a fresh copy of WordPress
Replace only the wp-admin and wp-includes folders

Do not overwrite the wp-content folder

Check for Plugin or Theme Conflicts

Plugin or theme conflicts can also cause database connection issues.

To test:

Disable all plugins by renaming the plugins folder
If the site loads, re-enable plugins one by one

Identify and remove the problematic plugin or theme

Conclusion

The “Error Establishing a Database Connection” issue usually occurs due to:

Incorrect database credentials
Corrupted databases
Database server issues
Damaged WordPress files

By following these steps in order, you can identify the root cause and restore your WordPress site efficiently.

Need Help?

If you face any issues updating your nameservers or need further assistance, our support team is always available:

Email: support@bigcloudy.com
Submit a support ticket

FAQ

How long does it usually take to fix this error?

The resolution time varies. Simple credential issues can be fixed in minutes, while server or corruption issues may take longer and require hosting support.

How do I check if my database credentials are correct?

You can verify database credentials in your site’s configuration file (for example, wp-config.php for WordPress). Compare the database name, username, password, and host with the details provided by your hosting provider.

Can a corrupted database cause this error?

Yes. Database corruption is a common cause, especially after failed updates, plugin issues, or server crashes. Repairing the database can often resolve the issue.

Can changing my database password cause this error?

Yes. If you update your database password but don’t update it in your site’s configuration file, the connection will fail.

Is this error a security risk?

The error itself is not a security risk, but it may expose your site to downtime. However, repeated database failures could indicate underlying security or server issues that should be investigated.