MySQL: How to reset or change the MySQL root password?

Question

How do I change the MySQL root password and username in ubuntu server? Do I need to stop the mysql service before setting any changes?

I have a phpmyadmin setup as well, will phpmyadmin get updated automatically?

Answer 1

Set / change / reset the MySQL root password on Ubuntu Linux. Enter the following lines in your terminal.

1. Stop the MySQL Server: sudo /etc/init.d/mysql stop

2. Start the mysqld configuration: sudo mysqld --skip-grant-tables &

   In some cases, you've to create the /var/run/mysqld first:

   sudo mkdir -v /var/run/mysqld && sudo chown mysql /var/run/mysqld
   

3. Run: sudo service mysql start
4. Login to MySQL as root: mysql -u root mysql

5. Replace YOURNEWPASSWORD with your new password:

   UPDATE
     mysql.user
   SET
     Password = PASSWORD('YOURNEWPASSWORD')
   WHERE
     User = 'root';
   FLUSH PRIVILEGES;
   exit;
   

Note: on some versions, if password column doesn't exist, you may want to try:
UPDATE user SET authentication_string=password('YOURNEWPASSWORD') WHERE user='root';

Note: This method is not regarded as the most secure way of resetting the password, however, it works.

References:

1. Set / Change / Reset the MySQL root password on Ubuntu Linux
2. How to Reset the Root Password