The “Error Establishing a Database Connection” in WordPress usually occurs when WordPress can’t connect to the database. This error is often due to incorrect database credentials, a corrupted database, or issues with the database server. Here’s how to troubleshoot and fix this error.

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Step 1: Confirm Database Credentials

Ensure your WordPress configuration file has the correct database credentials.

1. Access wp-config.php: Use your hosting control panel’s File Manager or an FTP client to locate the wp-config.php file in your website’s root directory.
2. Check Database Details:
   • Locate these lines in the file:
   • Ensure each value matches the details in your hosting account.

define('DB_NAME', 'database_name');
define('DB_USER', 'database_user');
define('DB_PASSWORD', 'database_password');
define('DB_HOST', 'localhost');

3. Save Changes: If any details were incorrect, update them and save the file.

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Step 2: Check Database Server

In some cases, your database server may be down.

1. Test Database Connection:
   • Create a new PHP file in your website’s root directory, such as dbtest.php.
   • Add this code to the file and save it.
   • Replace localhost, database_user, and database_password with your actual database details.

<?php
$link = mysqli_connect('localhost', 'database_user', 'database_password');
if (!$link) {
    die('Could not connect: ' . mysqli_error());
}
echo 'Connected successfully';
mysqli_close($link);

1. Run the Test:
   • Go to https://yourdomain.com/dbtest.php.
   • If you see “Connected successfully,” your server is working. If you see an error message, your server may be down—contact our support team
2. Delete dbtest.php after testing.

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Step 3: Repair the Database (If Corrupt)

If you can connect to the database but still see the error, your database may be corrupt.

1. Enable Database Repair:
   • Open wp-config.php and add this line near the bottom:
   • Save and close the file.

define('WP_ALLOW_REPAIR', true);

1. Run Repair Script:
   • Visit https://yourdomain.com/wp-admin/maint/repair.php.
   • Click Repair Database or Repair and Optimize Database to fix any corruption.
2. Remove Repair Code: After repair, delete the define('WP_ALLOW_REPAIR', true); line from wp-config.php to prevent unauthorized access.

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Step 4: Restore a Backup (If Available)

If you have a recent backup, restoring your database might be the quickest solution.

1. Log in to your hosting control panel and locate the Backup tool.
2. Restore Database: Choose the most recent backup of your database and restore it.

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Step 5: Contact Support Team

If none of the above steps work, reach out to our support team for assistance. They can check for server issues or help identify database connection problems.

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By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the “Error Establishing a Database Connection” and get your WordPress site back online.