Knowledgebase

Connecting to MySQL from an External Host (Firstserv Guide)

This guide explains how to connect to your Firstserv MySQL database from an external location, such as:

• ✅ Your home or office computer
• ✅ A remote server
• ✅ A development environment

How MySQL Access Works

• Your MySQL server runs on:

  Port 3306
  

• When connecting from your website (on the same server), you use:

  localhost
  

👉 To connect externally, you must first authorise your IP address in cPanel.

Before You Start

You will need:

• ✅ Your external IP address
• ✅ Your database name, username, and password
• ✅ Access to your cPanel account

Find Your IP Address

• Visit a site like:

  https://viewmyip.co.uk
  

• Or ask your network/server provider

Allow External Access in cPanel

Step 1: Open Remote MySQL

1. Log in to cPanel
2. Navigate to:

   Databases → Remote MySQL
   

Step 2: Add Your IP Address

1. Enter your IP address in:

   Add Access Host
   

2. (Optional) Add a comment (e.g. “Office PC”)
3. Click Add Host

✅ Your IP is now authorised to connect

Step 3: Confirm Access

• Your IP will appear under Manage Access Hosts
• You can edit or remove it at any time

Important Notes

⚠️ Dynamic IP Addresses

If your IP changes frequently:

• You will need to update it each time
• Consider using an SSH tunnel instead (see below)

⚠️ Wildcards

• Although shown in cPanel, wildcard IPs (e.g. %) are not supported

Security Warning

⚠️ Direct MySQL connections are not encrypted

• Your database credentials are sent in plain text
• This can be vulnerable to interception

✅ Recommended Alternative: SSH Tunnel

For improved security, use an SSH tunnel:

• ✅ Encrypts your connection
• ✅ Avoids exposing database credentials
• ✅ More reliable for remote access

👉 Firstserv provides SSH access on port:

722

Summary

• MySQL runs on port 3306
• Add your external IP via Remote MySQL in cPanel
• Dynamic IPs require frequent updates
• Direct connections are not secure
• ✅ Use an SSH tunnel for best security

Need Help?

If you’re unsure how to connect securely or need help setting up an SSH tunnel, the Firstserv support team is always happy to assist.