---
title: "How to Install MariaDB"
description: "In this tutorial we will show you how to install/upgrade MariaDB on your VPS or Dedicated Server. It is recommended that you move from MySQL to MariaDB using the software interface within WHM. This..."
url: https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/server/databases/how-to-install-maria-db/
date: 2017-06-22
modified: 2023-12-22
author: "InMotion Hosting Contributor"
categories: ["Working with Databases"]
type: post
lang: en
---

# How to Install MariaDB

In this tutorial we will show you how to **install/upgrade MariaDB** on your [VPS](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/vps-hosting) or [Dedicated Server](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/dedicated-servers). It is recommended that you move from MySQL to MariaDB using the software interface within WHM. This tool allows you to manage updates for your version of MariaDB automatically. As the vendor releases updates or patches for your specific version, WHM will automatically apply the patch to your installation. Using this interface in WHM requires root access.

Installing MariaDB requires root access. Please see our article on [how to request root access](/support/amp/obtain-root-access/). Before you start, now is a good time to [take a snapshot](/support/product-guides/vps-hosting/snapshots/) if you are using an HAVPS account or make a [backup on your dedicated server](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/product-guides/dedicated-hosting/additional-backup-destinations/).

Note that once you upgrade to MariaDB, you will not be able to revert back to the original installation using MySQL without a complete backup restoration.

1. [Log into WHM](/support/edu/whm/log-into-whm/) as your root user.
2. Type ‘SQL’ in the search box, then click **MySQL / MariaDB Upgrade** under the *SQL Services* menu.![Accessing MySQL/MariaDB Upgrade in WHM](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Selection_1754.png)
3. (Step 1 of 7) Select the version of MariaDB you wish to upgrade to and click **Next**.![MariaDB Upgrade in WHM](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/mariadb_maria-upgrade2.png)
4. (Step 2 of 7) Read through any warnings your system may have found. If you are not sure about what those warnings mean, then do not proceed and contact Technical Support to be sure.![Upgrading MariaDB](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/mariadb_maria-upgrade3.png)
5. (Step 3 of 7) Choose whether your upgrade process should be interactive. This means should you be prompted and required to supply input throughout the upgrade process. Click on **Continue** to proceed.![Unattended MariaDB Upgrade in WHM](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/mariadb_maria-upgrade4.png)If you choose to skip the interactive install then you will be taken to the Step 7 of 7 where you can see the output of the installation process![MariaDB Upgrade](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/mariadb_maria-upgrade5.png)Once you are finished you should see the screen display *The upgrade process completed successfully* as per the image below:![Upgrade Finished](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/mariadb_maria-upgrade6.png)

Congratulations, you have successfully installed MariaDB! Check out our section on [Working with Databases](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/server/databases/) for more helpful tutorials.