How to install phpMyAdmin to manage MySQL from the browser

phpMyAdmin lets you view and edit MySQL databases from a browser, without the command line. Here is how to install it safely.

1. Install

apt-get update -y
apt-get install -y phpmyadmin

When prompted, choose the web server (Apache) or configure it manually for Nginx via a symlink:

ln -s /usr/share/phpmyadmin /var/www/mysite/phpmyadmin

2. Securing it, mandatory

phpMyAdmin is a frequent target. Protect it:

• Serve it only over HTTPS (see Let's Encrypt).
• Add an extra password at the web server level (basic auth).
• Do not use the MySQL root account; create a dedicated user (see MySQL users and privileges).
• Ideally, restrict access to your own IP.

A lighter alternative

For a single file, no install, you can use Adminer (adminer.php), which offers the same functionality much more simply.