How to Reset MySQL Root Password on Mac - A Step-by-Step Guide

If you've forgotten your MySQL root password on your Mac, don't worry, you're not alone. It's a common issue that many users face. However, resetting the MySQL root password on a Mac is relatively straightforward, and I'm here to guide you through the process step-by-step.

Before we begin, it's important to note that the following steps assume you have administrative privileges on your Mac.

Step 1: Stop the MySQL Server

Open the Terminal and stop the MySQL server using the command:

sudo /usr/local/mysql/support-files/mysql.server stop

Step 2: Start MySQL in Safe Mode

Start MySQL in safe mode without loading the grant tables or enabling networking:

sudo mysqld_safe --skip-grant-tables

Step 3: Connect to MySQL

Open a new Terminal window and connect to MySQL as the root user:

mysql -u root

Step 4: Change the Root Password

Once you're connected to MySQL, you can change the root password with the following command:

ALTER USER 'root'@'localhost' IDENTIFIED BY 'new_password';

Remember to replace new_password with your desired password.

Step 5: Restart the MySQL Server

Exit MySQL and stop the MySQL server running in safe mode. You can then restart the MySQL server normally:

sudo /usr/local/mysql/support-files/mysql.server start

That's it! You've successfully reset the MySQL root password on your Mac. You can now access your MySQL server with the new password.