Access denied for user 'root@localhost' (using password: NO)

When you install MySQL and try to access it from your local machine as root, you may encounter this error.

Run the command

mysql -u root -p

When prompted for a password, you press enter. The process suggests that a password for root has not yet been set. However, you should set the password because running as root without a password has many security concerns.

If the error persists, follow these commands:

1. Stop the mysql daemon by typing:

mysql stop

2. Start mysql without any privileges using:

mysqld_safe --skip-grant-tables &

3. The terminal will stop responding. Open a new terminal and type:

mysql -u root

4. Enter the permission setting of the root user by typing:

mysql> use mysql;

mysql> select * from user;

mysql> flush privileges;

mysql> grant all privileges on *.* to root@localhost identified by 'Password' with grant option;

Enter your password in place of Password.

6. Exit the shell:

mysql> quit

7. Restart mysql by typing:

kill -KILL [PID of mysqld_safe]
kill -KILL [PID of mysqld]
service mysql start

8. Retry logging in by typing:

mysql -u root -p password