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Manage Databases

In your web hosting package (webcow) at Servercow, you can create, manage, and connect your own MySQL/MariaDB databases to applications like WordPress, Shopware, or Laravel via the Plesk interface. Management is done through the graphical interface and the web tool phpMyAdmin.

Create a New Database

  1. Log in to your Plesk web hosting account (see Log in as Web Hosting Administrator).
  2. Navigate to Websites & Domains.
  3. Select the desired domain.
  4. Click on Databases.
  5. Click on Add Database.

Fill out the form:

  • Database Name: Choose a unique name (e.g., myproject_db).
  • Database Server: Leave as is (localhost).
  • Associated Website: Select the website to be connected to this database.

If you have not yet created a database user, you can add one directly when creating a new database.

Enable the option Create a database user and enter the following information:

  • Database Username: Choose a unique username, e.g., dbuser123.
  • Password: Create a secure password or let one be generated automatically.
  • Access to all databases within the subscription:
    (Optional, not recommended) – Enable this option only if the user should intentionally have access to all databases in your subscription.
    If in doubt, leave this setting disabled to enhance access security.

Note

Database users are automatically assigned a prefix to the username you choose
(e.g., web123_dbuser123) to avoid system-wide naming conflicts.

⚠️ When configuring your application, ensure you use the full username, including the prefix.

✅ Confirm your entries with OK.

Credentials & Connection

After creation, you will receive:

  • Database Name
  • Username
  • Password
  • Host: localhost

You will need this information for WordPress, Laravel, or other CMS/frameworks to establish a database connection.

Using phpMyAdmin

To edit your database content (e.g., view tables, import/export dumps):

  1. Open the desired database in the Databases section.
  2. Click on phpMyAdmin on the right.
  3. A new window will open with the graphical management interface automatically via SSO (no additional login required).

With phpMyAdmin, you can:

  • Create, edit, and delete tables
  • Execute SQL queries
  • Export backups or import .sql files
  • Apply custom settings

Backup & Restore

Database Backups

Database backups are usually included in the overall web package during scheduled or manual backups on your part.
However, you can also manually create a backup of the database by exporting it from phpMyAdmin.

Notes & Best Practices

  • Separate Database Users: Use separate databases and users for each application whenever possible.
  • Secure Passwords: Use complex passwords and store them securely.
  • Access Rights: Grant only the necessary permissions to minimize risks.
  • External Access: Database access from outside (outside the web server) is disabled by default.

Summary

Step Description
Create Database Via Plesk > Databases
User & Password Define directly during creation
Access localhost, via phpMyAdmin
Management Edit tables, data, SQL via GUI
Connect Application Use database name, user, password, host

For CMS systems like WordPress, Joomla, Shopware, Nextcloud, etc., no additional tools are required – configuration is done directly in the respective application using the Plesk data.

Did you know?

Plesk offers helpful tutorials related to the active page. You can also check for assistance directly in Plesk.

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