How to Install MySQL on Ubuntu 26.04 LTS

MySQL is one of the most widely used relational database management systems for websites and applications. It is used by platforms like WordPress, Laravel, Magento, and many custom applications to store and manage data.

Ubuntu 26.04 includes MySQL 8.4 in its official repositories, so you can install it with a single command without adding any extra repositories. This guide walks you through the complete installation, security configuration, and basic database setup.

Prerequisites

An Ubuntu 26.04 dedicated server
A user with sudo privileges
An active internet connection

Step 1: Update Your System

Before installing MySQL, update your package list and install any available updates.

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade -y

Step 2: Check the Available MySQL Version

If you'd like to see which version Ubuntu will install, run the following command.

apt-cache policy mysql-server

On Ubuntu 26.04, the default repository provides MySQL 8.4 LTS, so there is no need to add Oracle's MySQL repository for a standard installation.

Step 3: Install MySQL Server

Install the MySQL server package using APT.

sudo apt install mysql-server -y

The installation usually finishes within a minute or two depending on your server and internet connection.

Step 4: Verify the Installation

After the installation completes, check the installed version.

mysql --version

You should see output similar to this.

mysql  Ver 8.4.x for Linux on x86_64

Step 5: Check the MySQL Service

MySQL normally starts automatically after installation. Verify that the service is running.

sudo systemctl status mysql

If everything is working correctly, you'll see Active: active (running).

Press Q to exit the status screen.

Step 6: Enable MySQL to Start on Boot

Ubuntu usually enables the service automatically, but you can confirm it with the following command.

sudo systemctl enable mysql

If the service isn't running, start it manually.

sudo systemctl start mysql

Step 7: Secure Your MySQL Installation

MySQL includes a built in security script that removes insecure default settings.

sudo mysql_secure_installation

During the setup, you'll be asked several questions. The following answers are recommended for most servers.

Would you like to setup VALIDATE PASSWORD component?
Y

Select password policy:
2 (Strong)

Remove anonymous users?
Y

Disallow root login remotely?
Y

Remove test database and access to it?
Y

Reload privilege tables now?
Y

This step removes anonymous accounts, disables remote root access, deletes the test database, and reloads the privilege tables to apply the changes.

Step 8: Log in to MySQL

Ubuntu configures the MySQL root account to authenticate using your system account.

sudo mysql

If the login is successful, you'll see the MySQL prompt.

mysql>

Exit MySQL by running.

exit;

Step 9: Create Your First Database

Log back into MySQL.

sudo mysql

Create a new database.

CREATE DATABASE myapp;

Verify that it was created.

SHOW DATABASES;

You should see output similar to this.

+--------------------+
| Database           |
+--------------------+
| information_schema |
| myapp              |
| mysql              |
| performance_schema |
| sys                |
+--------------------+

Step 10: Create a New Database User

Using the root account for applications is not recommended. Create a dedicated user instead.

CREATE USER 'myuser'@'localhost' IDENTIFIED BY 'StrongPassword123!';

Grant the user full access to the database.

GRANT ALL PRIVILEGES ON myapp.* TO 'myuser'@'localhost';

Reload the privilege tables.

FLUSH PRIVILEGES;

Exit MySQL.

exit;

Step 11: Test the New User

Connect using the new account.

mysql -u myuser -p

After entering the password, verify the available databases.

SHOW DATABASES;

If you can see the myapp database, your user has been configured successfully.

Useful MySQL Service Commands

Task	Command
Start MySQL	`sudo systemctl start mysql`
Stop MySQL	`sudo systemctl stop mysql`
Restart MySQL	`sudo systemctl restart mysql`
Check Status	`sudo systemctl status mysql`
Enable on Boot	`sudo systemctl enable mysql`

Common MySQL Commands

Task	Command
Check Version	`mysql --version`
Login as Root	`sudo mysql`
Show Databases	`SHOW DATABASES;`
Create Database	`CREATE DATABASE database_name;`
Delete Database	`DROP DATABASE database_name;`
Exit MySQL	`exit;`

Troubleshooting

MySQL Service Is Not Running

Start the service manually.

sudo systemctl start mysql

If it still doesn't start, check the service logs.

sudo journalctl -u mysql

mysql: command not found

If the MySQL client isn't available, the installation may not have completed successfully.

sudo apt install mysql-server

Cannot Connect to MySQL

Verify that the service is running.

sudo systemctl status mysql

If it's stopped, start it.

sudo systemctl start mysql

Conclusion

You have successfully installed MySQL on Ubuntu 26.04, secured the installation, created a database, added a new user, and verified that everything is working correctly.

Your server is now ready to host applications such as WordPress, Laravel, Magento, phpMyAdmin, or any other software that requires a MySQL database. Databases spend their lives quietly storing everyone else's mistakes. MySQL has become exceptionally good at it.