---
title: "Clear your MySQL password"
kind: article
slug: clear-your-mysql-password
created_at: 2010-10-26
tags:
  - MySQL
  - development
  - password
---
Most people need their MySQL database protected with at least a decent password. I agree, but in development this often causes conflicts - and I prefer to work with my MySQL datbase without all the password-hassle.

On Ubuntu I recently installed MySQL and set a password. Here's how to remove that password so you can skip all the password stuff during development.
~
First, connect to MySQL and check what permissions are currently set:

    $ mysql -u root -p
    use mysql;
    select Host, User, Password from user;

You'll probably see three entries for the `root` user: `localhost`, `127.0.0.1` and your hostname like `hostname`. To clear the password for the root user issue the following query:

    :::sql
    update user set password = '' where user = 'root';

Optionally, you may only want to reset the password for `localhost`:

    :::sql
    update user set password = '' where user = 'root' and host = 'localhost';

Keep in mind that using no MySQL password is insecure. Always protected your MySQL database with at least a strong password in production.