A WordPress website stores most of its content and settings in a MySQL database.
If you need to restore a database, export a database, troubleshoot an error, or check website settings, you may need to know which database your WordPress website uses.
This guide explains how to check the database name used by a WordPress website.
Why Would I Need to Know the WordPress Database Name?
You may need to know the database name if:
- You want to restore a database from JetBackup.
- You want to export a WordPress database.
- Your website shows a database connection error.
- You are moving a WordPress website.
- Your developer asks for the database name.
- You have more than one database in DirectAdmin.
- You need to check the database in phpMyAdmin.
Where Does WordPress Store Database Details?
WordPress stores database connection details in a file called:
wp-config.php
This file is usually located in the main WordPress installation folder.
For many websites, this is inside:
domains/yourdomain.co.za/public_html
Replace yourdomain.co.za with your own domain name.
Step 1 – Log Into DirectAdmin
Open your browser and visit: https://cp.yourdomain.co.za (Replace yourdomain.co.za with your own domain name.)
Enter your DirectAdmin username and password.
Click: Log In
Step 2 – Open File Manager
Once you are logged into DirectAdmin, open File Manager.
Click: System Info & Files
Then click: File Manager
Step 3 – Open the WordPress Folder
Open the folder where WordPress is installed.
For most main websites, click: domains
Then click: yourdomain.co.za (Replace yourdomain.co.za with your own domain name.)
Then click: public_html
If WordPress is installed in a sub-folder, open that folder instead.
Example:
public_html/blog
Step 4 – Locate the wp-config.php File
Inside the WordPress folder, look for the wp-config.php file.
Locate: wp-config.php
This file contains the database connection details used by WordPress.
Step 5 – Open or View wp-config.php
Open the file carefully.
Click: wp-config.php
Then click: Edit
or
Click: View
The wording may differ depending on your DirectAdmin version.
Do not change anything unless you know exactly what you are editing.
Step 6 – Find the Database Name
Look for the line that starts with:
define( 'DB_NAME',
The database name appears on this line.
Example:
define( 'DB_NAME', 'username_wp123' );
In this example, the database name is:
username_wp123
Step 7 – Find the Database User
You can also find the database user in the same file.
Look for the line that starts with:
define( 'DB_USER',
Example:
define( 'DB_USER', 'username_wpuser' );
In this example, the database user is:
username_wpuser
Step 8 – Close the File Without Saving Changes
After checking the database details, close the file.
If you did not make any changes, do not save the file.
Changing this file incorrectly can break your WordPress website.
Step 9 – Check the Database in DirectAdmin
You can now compare the database name in DirectAdmin.
Click: Account Manager
Then click:Databases
Look for the database name shown in wp-config.php.
Locate: Database name, example: username_wp123
Step 10 – Open the Database in phpMyAdmin
If needed, you can open phpMyAdmin to view the database.
Click: Account Manager
Then click: Databases
Then click: phpMyAdmin
In phpMyAdmin, select the database name shown in wp-config.php.
Important Notes
Please keep the following in mind:
- WordPress database details are stored in wp-config.php.
- Do not edit wp-config.php unless you know what you are doing.
- The database name and database user may be different.
- Choosing the wrong database during a restore can affect the wrong website.
- Always make a backup before making database changes.
- If your hosting account has multiple WordPress sites, each site may use a different database.
When Should I Contact HostworX Support?
Contact HostworX Support if:
- You cannot find wp-config.php.
- You are unsure which folder contains WordPress.
- You cannot identify the correct database.
- Your website shows a database connection error.
- You need help restoring the correct database.
- You accidentally changed wp-config.php.
Conclusion
You can check which database your WordPress website uses by opening the wp-config.php file in File Manager.
The DB_NAME value shows the database name used by WordPress.
Be careful when viewing this file and do not save changes unless you are sure they are correct.
