Delete a database only when you have confirmed that no website, staging copy, or scheduled job still needs it. The action removes its data permanently from the live database server. It does not provide a recycle bin, and it is different from removing a user's access.
Older cPanel versions call the database management interface MySQL Databases.
Before you start
- Export or download a complete database backup and save it outside the hosting account. Record the full database name and the application it belonged to.
- Check application configuration files and any staging sites or integrations for references to this database. If ownership is uncertain, ask your developer before deleting it.
Instructions
Open the database list
In cPanel, open Databases, then Manage My Databases. Find the Current Databases table.
Match the full name
Locate the exact database, including its account prefix. Compare it with your backup record and the application's retired connection settings.
Review the deletion
Click Delete on that database's row. Read the confirmation and verify the name again. Cancel if the selected database is not the one you intended.
Confirm permanent deletion
Choose Delete Database only after the backup and dependency checks are complete. Return to the list with Go Back.
Review leftover users separately
Check whether a database user is still required by another database. Do not delete a user simply because one of its databases has been removed.
Check the result
- Confirm the retired database no longer appears in Current Databases.
- Check remaining websites and jobs for connection errors, and retain the backup according to your recovery needs.
Troubleshooting
- A website stops working after deletion.
- Stop further cleanup. Identify the database the application expects and arrange recovery from your saved backup or with support; do not assume an automatic backup is available.
- I only want to remove a user's access.
- Use the database's user or privileges controls instead. Deleting the database removes the data for every application that depends on it.
Watch the video
The video may show an older interface. Use the written instructions above when screen names differ.
Continue with a related task
- How to Download a Backup from cPanel
- How to Add a User to a Database and Set Privileges in cPanel
- How to Import a Database with phpMyAdmin in cPanel
