How to import a database over SSH

phpMyAdmin allows you to import databases up to 256 MB (sometimes a little less, if the database has a large number of rows). If importing with phpMyAdmin failed, you can import your database using SSH. Here are the steps:

Step 1 - Preparation

• Upload the database to your website's public_html folder (you can do it via FTP or with File Manager)

• Create a new database or clear the one you plan to import into

• If you are not confident in the exact value of your database password - change it

Step 2 - Connecting

• Open your root directory (public_html)

• If the database backup file is displayed - go to the next step

• If you do not see the backup file, double-check using File Manager that the file is indeed uploaded and placed in the public_html folder

Step 3 - Import

If the database is in compressed format (.sql.gz) use the following command to extract it so it's in .sql format:

gzip -d database_name.gz.sql

Make sure to replace database_name with your database's actual name.

To import the database, use this command:

mysql -u database_username -p database_name < file.sql

If the parameters of your database are:

• MySQL Database name: u123456789_database

• MySQL Username: u123456789_admin

• Uploaded database file: database.sql

The command will look like this:

mysql -u u123456789_admin -p u123456789_database < database.sql

After that you will need to enter the database password - the importing process will start immediately. When it is completed, a new line will appear:

-bash-4.2$

Keep in mind that the import will take some time depending on the size of your database.

That’s it! Now you know how to import your MySQL database ????

Additional resources:

• How to import a database with phpMyAdmin

• How to export a database with phpMyAdmin

• How to export a database over SSH