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Check databases and use phpMyAdmin safely

Inspect tables or export an application database without confusing it with system metadata.

Where Tools → Databases → Manage My Databases / phpMyAdmin

Before you start

  • Back up the application database before imports, repairs or structural changes.
  • Know which database belongs to the site. information_schema is system metadata, not your WordPress content.

Steps

  1. 1

    Use Manage My Databases to match a database name to its user. Check Database tests a selected database; Repair Database should only be used for a diagnosed issue and after backup.

  2. 2

    Select a table to browse its records. Avoid Edit, Delete, Empty, Drop or arbitrary SQL unless you understand the effect.

  3. 3

    To export a backup, select the correct database first, then Export and an appropriate SQL export method. Keep the resulting file private.

  4. 4

    To import, select the intended target database, open Import, choose a compatible backup and inspect the options before submitting. Imports can overwrite or duplicate existing data.

  5. 5

    For large or failed imports, note the exact error and upload limits. Ask support for a suitable method rather than retrying partial imports blindly.

  6. 6

    Open phpMyAdmin and choose the intended application database in the left navigation. Do not work in information_schema.

    Choose your application database before using Export, Import or SQL.

Check it worked

  • Check the export downloaded completely or the import reports success.
  • Test the application and confirm tables/records are consistent with the intended recovery point.