The WordPress database stores all of your website’s content, settings, and user data. Using phpMyAdmin, you can view, back up, and manage your WordPress database safely.

1. What is phpMyAdmin?

phpMyAdmin is a web-based tool for managing MySQL databases. It allows you to access all WordPress data such as posts, users, comments, and configuration settings.

2. Access phpMyAdmin

• Log in to your Plesk or Cpanel control panel.
• Go to “Databases” and locate your database.
• Click the “phpMyAdmin” icon to open it.

3. WordPress Database Structure

A standard WordPress installation includes 12 main tables:

wp_posts          → Posts, pages, custom content  
wp_users          → User accounts  
wp_comments       → Comments  
wp_options        → Site settings  
wp_postmeta       → Post meta data  
wp_usermeta       → User meta information  
wp_terms          → Categories and tags  
wp_term_taxonomy  → Taxonomy structure  
wp_links          → Legacy link data  
wp_term_relationships → Post-category relations  
wp_commentmeta    → Comment metadata

4. Export (Backup)

Go to the “Export” tab in phpMyAdmin and select “Quick” to create a backup (.sql file).

5. Import (Restore)

To restore a backup, use the “Import” tab and upload your .sql file.

6. Optimize Database

Select all tables, then choose “Optimize Table” to clean up unused data and improve performance.

7. Reset WordPress Admin Password

If you forgot your password, open the wp_users table, find your username, and update the “user_pass” field with a new MD5 hash value.

Note: Always back up your database before making changes. Incorrect edits can break your site.