How to edit a field in a database table with phpMyAdmin

To edit a field in a database table, open the table in phpMyAdmin, select the field and click Change. You can then update the field settings and save them. This works without writing SQL (Structured Query Language, the commands used to manage databases).

Before you start, make sure you are logged in to phpMyAdmin (a web tool for managing MySQL and MariaDB databases) and that the database already exists.

Before you change a field

Changing a field can alter or remove data. If the table already holds data, export a backup first. Shortening a field's length cuts off any data longer than the new length.

Edit a field in phpMyAdmin

cPanel

1. Log in to your cPanel account.
2. In the Databases section, click phpMyAdmin. It opens in a new tab and logs you in as your cPanel user.
3. In the left sidebar, click your database name.
4. Click the table you want to change.
5. Click the Structure tab. The table's fields are listed with a Change link in the Action column.
6. Click Change next to the field.
7. Update the settings you need, such as Name, Type, Length/Values, Default or Null.
8. Click Save.

phpMyAdmin applies the change and returns you to the Structure view.

DirectAdmin

1. Log in to DirectAdmin.
2. Go to MySQL Management.
3. Click phpMyAdmin next to your database. Some versions show a phpMyAdmin SSO button in the MySQL Management section instead. If neither appears, log in with your MySQL user name and password.
4. Click your database, then click the table you want to change.
5. Click the Structure tab, then click Change next to the field.
6. Update the settings you need, then click Save.

The menu labels may differ slightly depending on your DirectAdmin version and theme. Your welcome email or the client area at my.hostking.host has the login details for your account.

Troubleshooting

The change is refused

The database user may not have the ALTER privilege. In cPanel, check your user's privileges under MySQL Databases. In DirectAdmin, click your database and open Modify Permissions. If you are unsure, contact support.

Large files will not import

phpMyAdmin limits the size of uploads, and the limit is set by PHP. If a file is too large, ask support about the limit on your account.

Need more help?

Contact Hostking support through live chat on the website or a support ticket in the client area.