Remote MySQL Access: How to Configure on 1-grid Hosting 

Databases contain critical website information, which means that remote MySQL access is restricted by default to help protect your data. 

This guide will help you configure Remote MySQL access for your hosting account, allowing approved external applications, servers, or development tools to connect securely to your database. 

By the end of this guide, you’ll understand when Remote MySQL access should be used, how to configure it safely, and how to verify that your connection is working correctly. 

What This Means 

Remote MySQL access allows a database hosted on your 1-grid hosting account to accept connections from a server, application, or device located outside your hosting environment. 

Common Uses

• Running applications on another server. 
• Connecting development tools to a live database. 
• Integrating third-party software. 
• Managing databases remotely. 

Most websites do not require Remote MySQL access because their website and database operate on the same hosting environment. 

Step-by-Step Instructions to Configure Remote Access

1: Confirm That You Need Remote MySQL Access 

Before enabling remote access, verify that: 

• Your application is hosted on a different server. 
• A third-party service requires direct database access. 
• You need to manage the database remotely. 

If your website and database are hosted together, Remote MySQL access is usually unnecessary. 

2: Determine Which Hosting Platform You Use 

1-grid currently sells and supports Plesk Hosting. 

However, some legacy customers may still use cPanel Hosting. 

Your configuration process will depend on your hosting platform. 

3: Locate the IP Address That Requires Access 

Identify the public IP address of: 

• The external server. 
• Development environment. 
• Third-party application. 

You will need this IP address when creating an allowlist entry. 

4: Configure Remote Access 

For Legacy cPanel Hosting Accounts 

1. Log in to your 1-grid Customer Zone. 
2. Open your hosting service. 
3. Launch cPanel. 
4. Navigate to Databases. 
5. Select Remote MySQL® or Remote Database Access. 
6. Enter the remote server IP address. 
7. Click Add Host. 
8. Ensure the correct database user has appropriate privileges assigned. 

For Plesk Hosting Accounts 

1. Log in to Plesk via your 1-grid Customer Zone. 
2. Open Databases. 
3. Select the database you wish to access. 
4. Verify that remote access is permitted for your hosting environment. 
5. Use the database connection details supplied within Plesk. 
6. If restrictions apply, contact Support for assistance with your specific hosting configuration. 

5: Verify Firewall Access 

If you manage the remote server: 

• Ensure outbound connections on port 3306 are permitted. 
• Verify that local firewall rules are not blocking access. 
• Confirm your hosting environment permits external database connections. 

6: Test the Connection 

Use your preferred database client or application and confirm: 

• Hostname is correct. 
• Database name is correct. 
• Username is correct. 
• Password is correct. 
• Remote IP is allowlisted. 

Successful connection confirms your configuration is complete. 

Important Things to Know 

• Remote database access is disabled by default for security reasons. 
• Opening access to all IP addresses is not recommended. 
• IP allowlisting and database permissions are separate requirements. 
• Database credentials alone do not grant remote access. 
• Some third-party applications may require additional firewall configuration. 
• Dynamic IP addresses may require periodic updates. 

Before You Move On 

Before using your remote connection: 

• Verify the correct IP address has been allowlisted. 
• Confirm database user permissions. 
• Test connectivity from the remote location. 
• Remove any unused allowlist entries. 
• Review firewall settings. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid 

• Allowlisting the wrong IP address. 
• Using incorrect database credentials. 
• Assuming database user permissions automatically enable remote access. 
• Allowing all IP addresses using “%” unnecessarily. 
• Forgetting to open port 3306 on the remote server. 

If This Didn’t Work 

Before contacting Support, collect: 

• Domain name. 
• Hosting platform (Plesk or cPanel). 
• Database name. 
• Database username. 
• Remote IP address. 
• Exact error message. 
• Screenshot of the error. 
• Details of the application attempting to connect. 

This information helps us investigate more efficiently. 

Related Articles 

• How to Create a MySQL Database in Plesk 
• How to Create a MySQL Database in cPanel 
• What Databases Does 1-grid Support? 
• What Versions of PHP Does cPanel with 1-grid Support? 
• MySQL Guides

FAQs 

What is Remote MySQL access? 

It allows applications or servers outside your hosting environment to connect directly to your database. 

Is Remote MySQL access enabled by default? 

No. Remote access is typically restricted for security reasons. 

Can I allow access from any IP address? 

Technically yes, but this is not recommended due to security risks. 

Why am I getting an “Access Denied” error? 

This usually indicates incorrect credentials, insufficient database permissions, or an IP address that has not been allowlisted. 

What port does MySQL use? 

MySQL commonly uses port 3306. 

Can I disable remote access later? 

Yes. You can remove allowlisted IP addresses at any time to revoke access. 

Empowering Insight 

Most Remote MySQL connection issues are caused by incorrect IP allowlisting, firewall restrictions, or invalid credentials rather than problems with the database itself. Verifying these settings first often resolves the issue quickly. 

Need Additional Support? 

If you’ve followed the steps above and are still unable to connect, visit the 1-grid Knowledge Base for additional self-service guidance.

If you still require assistance, contact us and our Support Team with the troubleshooting information listed above so we can assist you more efficiently.