How to Install and Configure MySQL on Ubuntu: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

MySQL is one of the most popular open-source relational databases in the world. Whether you're running a web application, managing data, or building a backend system, installing MySQL on Ubuntu is one of the first steps.

But here's the thing: installing MySQL is easy. Installing it correctly with proper security and configuration is what separates a solid setup from a disaster waiting to happen.

In this guide, we'll walk through the complete process of installing and configuring MySQL on Ubuntu, from the initial installation through security hardening and optimization. By the end, you'll have a production-ready MySQL server running on your Ubuntu system.

Table of Contents

1. Prerequisites
2. Update Your System
3. Install MySQL Server
4. Verify the Installation
5. Run MySQL Security Script
6. Create a New MySQL User
7. Configure MySQL for Optimal Performance
8. Enable Remote Connections (Optional)
9. Key Takeaways

Prerequisites

Before you start, make sure you have:

Ubuntu System Access

You need access to an Ubuntu system (20.04 LTS, 22.04 LTS, or later). You can use:

• A physical server
• A virtual machine (VirtualBox, VMware, etc.)
• A cloud instance (AWS EC2, DigitalOcean, Linode, etc.)

For more details on Ubuntu system requirements, see the official Ubuntu documentation.

Administrative Privileges

You need sudo access to run installation commands. This means either:

• Logging in as root user
• Being added to the sudoers group

Internet Connection

Your Ubuntu system needs internet access to download MySQL packages from repositories.

Terminal Access

You'll need to access a terminal (SSH if remote, or physical terminal if local).

That's it! You're ready to get started.

Update Your System

Before installing any new software, it's best practice to update your system's package lists and ensure everything is current.

Step 1: Update Package Lists

sudo apt update

This command fetches the latest package information from all configured repositories. It doesn't upgrade anything—just updates the list of available packages.

Step 2: Upgrade Installed Packages

sudo apt upgrade -y

The -y flag automatically answers "yes" to any prompts, so you don't need to confirm each upgrade manually.

This step is optional but recommended, especially on a fresh system. It ensures security patches and bug fixes are installed.

Why This Matters:

Outdated systems can have security vulnerabilities. By updating first, you're starting on a secure foundation.

Install MySQL Server

Now we're ready to install MySQL.

Step 1: Install MySQL Server Package

sudo apt install mysql-server -y

This command downloads and installs MySQL Server from Ubuntu's default repositories. The installation typically includes:

• MySQL server binaries
• MySQL client tools
• Configuration files

The installation might take 2–5 minutes depending on your internet speed and system resources.

Step 2: Verify Installation Started

sudo systemctl status mysql

You should see output showing MySQL is active (running). This means the service started automatically.

Understanding MySQL Versions:

The version you get depends on your Ubuntu version:

• Ubuntu 20.04 LTS: MySQL 8.0
• Ubuntu 22.04 LTS: MySQL 8.0
• Ubuntu 24.04 LTS: MySQL 8.0

MySQL 8.0 is the current stable version and what you'll get from the default repository. If you need a different version, you can add the official MySQL repository, but that's beyond this basic guide. For more details, see the official MySQL documentation.

Verify the Installation

Let's confirm MySQL is working properly.

Check MySQL Version

mysql --version

This shows the installed MySQL version. You should see something like mysql Ver 8.0.35.

Connect to MySQL

sudo mysql

This connects you to MySQL as the root user (with sudo). You should see a mysql> prompt.

Type exit to disconnect:

exit;

Test with Query

Back at the bash prompt, try running a query:

sudo mysql -e "SELECT VERSION();"

This shows the MySQL version from inside the database. You should see output like:

+---------------------+
| VERSION()           |
+---------------------+
| 8.0.35-0ubuntu0.20  |
+---------------------+

Congratulations! MySQL is installed and running.

Run MySQL Security Script

MySQL comes with a security script that helps harden your installation. This is crucial for any production system.

Important: Ubuntu MySQL Configuration Note

Warning (As of July 2022): On Ubuntu installations, the root MySQL account is configured to use the auth_socket plugin instead of a password. This means the mysql_secure_installation script may encounter an error when trying to set a password for the root account.

Solution: Set Up Root Password First (Optional but Recommended)

If you want the root account to use a password instead of socket authentication, run these commands first:

sudo mysql

ALTER USER 'root'@" 'localhost' IDENTIFIED WITH mysql_native_password BY 'your_strong_password_here';
FLUSH PRIVILEGES;
exit;

Now you can run the security script without errors.

Run the Security Script

sudo mysql_secure_installation

This script will ask you several questions:

Question 1: Validate Password Plugin

Would you like to setup VALIDATE PASSWORD component?

Type y (yes). This enforces strong passwords.

Question 2: Password Validation Level

There are three levels of password validation policy:
LOW    Length >= 8
MEDIUM Length >= 8, numeric, mixed case, and special characters
STRONG Length >= 8, numeric, mixed case, special characters and dictionary file

Choose MEDIUM for a good balance of security and usability (type 1).

Question 3: Remove Anonymous Users

Remove anonymous users?

Type y. Anonymous access is a security risk.

Question 4: Disable Root Login Remotely

Disable root login remotely?

Type y. This prevents attackers from accessing root from the network.

Question 5: Remove Test Database

Remove the test database and access to it?

Type y. Test databases are unnecessary in production.

Question 6: Reload Privilege Tables

Reload privilege tables now?

Type y. This applies all security changes immediately.

Why These Steps Matter

These security measures protect your database from common attacks:

• Strong password requirements prevent brute force attacks
• Removing anonymous users closes unnecessary access points
• Disabling remote root access limits attack surface
• Removing test databases removes unnecessary complexity

Create a New MySQL User

Never use the root account for regular database operations. Create a dedicated database user instead.

Connect as Root

sudo mysql

You're now in the MySQL command prompt (mysql>).

Create a New User

CREATE USER 'dbuser'@'localhost' IDENTIFIED BY 'strong_password_here';

Replace:

• dbuser with your desired username
• strong_password_here with a strong password (use a password manager!)

Grant Privileges

For a user managing all databases:

GRANT ALL PRIVILEGES ON *.* TO 'dbuser'@'localhost' WITH GRANT OPTION;

For a user managing only one database:

GRANT ALL PRIVILEGES ON database_name.* TO 'dbuser'@'localhost';

Apply Changes

FLUSH PRIVILEGES;

Verify the User

SELECT user, host FROM mysql.user;

You should see your new user listed.

Exit MySQL

exit;

Test the New User

mysql -u dbuser -p

It will prompt for a password. Enter the password you created. If successful, you're connected as the new user.

Configure MySQL for Optimal Performance

Default MySQL settings are conservative. For better performance, adjust key configuration parameters.

Edit MySQL Configuration File

sudo nano /etc/mysql/mysql.conf.d/mysqld.cnf

Or on some systems:

sudo nano /etc/mysql/my.cnf

Find the [mysqld] Section

Look for the section that starts with [mysqld]. This is where you add configuration.

Add/Modify These Settings

Find these lines and update them (or add them if missing):

--Buffer pool size (for caching frequently accessed data)

-- Set to 75% of available RAM
innodb_buffer_pool_size = 1G

-- Maximum connections allowed
max_connections = 200

-- Memory for sorting operations
sort_buffer_size = 256K

-- Memory for JOIN operations
join_buffer_size = 256K

-- Buffer size for each thread
thread_stack = 192K

Example Configuration

For a 4GB server, use:

innodb_buffer_pool_size = 3G
max_connections = 200

For a 1GB server, use:

innodb_buffer_pool_size = 750M
max_connections = 100

Save the File

If using nano, press Ctrl+X, then Y, then Enter.

Restart MySQL to Apply Changes

sudo systemctl restart mysql

Verify Changes

mysql -u root -p -e "SHOW VARIABLES LIKE 'innodb_buffer_pool_size';"

This shows your new buffer pool size. For more configuration options and advanced tuning, see the MySQL Server Reference Manual.

Enable Remote Connections (Optional)

By default, MySQL only accepts connections from localhost for security. If you need remote connections, follow these steps.

Warning: Only do this if you need remote access. Local-only connections are more secure.

Edit MySQL Configuration

sudo nano /etc/mysql/mysql.conf.d/mysqld.cnf

Find this line:

bind-address = 127.0.0.1

Change it to:

bind-address = 0.0.0.0

This allows connections from any IP address. For more security, use a specific IP:

bind-address = 192.168.1.100

Restart MySQL

sudo systemctl restart mysql

Create Remote User

sudo mysql

CREATE USER 'remoteuser'@'%' IDENTIFIED BY 'strong_password';
GRANT ALL PRIVILEGES ON *.* TO 'remoteuser'@'%';
FLUSH PRIVILEGES;
exit;

The % means "any host".

Test Remote Connection

From another computer:

mysql -h server_ip -u remoteuser -p

Replace server_ip with your Ubuntu server's IP address.

Key Takeaways

• Update system first — Always run apt update and apt upgrade before installing new software.
• Install MySQL — Single command sudo apt install mysql-server -y.
• Run security script — mysql_secure_installation hardens your installation.
• Handle socket authentication — Set root password first on Ubuntu 20.04+.
• Create dedicated users — Never use root for regular operations.
• Configure for performance — Adjust buffer pool, connections, and memory settings.
• Enable remote access carefully — Only if needed, and with proper security measures.
• Verify installation — Test with queries to confirm everything works.
• Monitor regularly — Check MySQL status and logs for issues.

Related Articles

Learn more about MySQL administration:

• How to Enable MySQL Slow Query Log — Monitor performance and identify issues
• MySQL Configuration Tuning: Optimize Server Resources — Advanced configuration for production systems

Need Help Setting Up Your MySQL Server?

Installation is just the beginning. Many teams struggle with:

• Proper security hardening
• Performance optimization
• Backup strategies
• High availability setup

Our database administrators can ensure your MySQL installation is:

• Secure and hardened against attacks
• Optimized for your specific workload
• Properly monitored and maintained
• Ready for production use

Request Your MySQL Setup Consultation or contact us at [+254 720 100 744] to discuss your specific needs.

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