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How Import Databases Using Command Line SSH

Importing Databases via Command Line (SSH)

Using SSH can be a superior way to manage the files and databases on your account. Using a simple command you can import a MySQL database into an existing database on your account. If are looking for instructions to export a database, please go to the Exporting Databases via Command Line (SSH) article. If you are looking for instructions for importing and exporting databases using phpMyAdmin, please go to the Export Databases with phpMyAdmin articles.

Note: SSH access is required for this process. Click Here for information about getting SSH access

Using Command Line (SSH) to import your MySQL database

The file must be in .sql format. It can not be compressed in a .zip or .tar.gz file.

  1. Upload the SQL file to the server via the file manager or an FTP client.
  2. If the database does not exist, please create a database, a user, and give the user full privileges to the database. Note the username and password.
  3. Log into the server through SSH
  4. Navigate to the directory where your .sql file is.
  5. Type in this command:
    mysql -p -u user_name database_name < file.sql (replace 'user_name', 'database_name', and 'file.sql' with the actual name.)
  6. You will be prompted for your database user password, and then your database will be imported.
Note: Bluehost recommends using the database user with the database user's password and not the cPanel main user and password. The -p flag will cause mysql to prompt for your account's password. Do not put passwords in command line in plain text, but let the system prompt for a password. This is for your own security.

Make sure your database name and username has your Bluehost username prefix (e.g. 'username_databasename'; 'username_databaseusername').
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