Change WordPress Database Credentials in wp-config.php

What this problem is

You need to update WordPress database credentials (after password rotation, migration, or host change).

Prerequisites

• FTP/File Manager access to edit wp-config.php
• Hosting panel access to view/create database users

Diagnosis

If the site shows a database connection error, confirm the current DB credentials in the hosting panel match the file.

Detailed steps

Step 1) Locate wp-config.php

It is in the WordPress root (same level as wp-content).

Step 2) Update the database constants

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

Step 3) Confirm DB user privileges

Ensure the DB user has permissions on the WordPress database (SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE, CREATE, ALTER, INDEX).

Step 4) Test

Load the site and wp-admin. If it fails, re-check DB_HOST and password.

Expected results

• WordPress connects to the database and loads normally

What to do if it fails

• Try the exact DB_HOST provided by your host (sometimes not localhost)
• Reset the database user password in the hosting panel and update wp-config.php again

Best practices

• Rotate passwords periodically and store them securely
• Limit database user privileges to only what WordPress needs