How to Fix “Your PHP Installation Appears to Be Missing the MySQL Extension Which Is Required by WordPress” Error

What Causes This Error?

This error occurs when WordPress cannot connect to your MySQL database due to a missing or incompatible PHP extension. Common causes include:

• Outdated PHP Version: Older versions of PHP use the mysql extension, which has been deprecated in PHP 5.5 and removed in PHP 7.0+.
• Missing PHP Extension: If the mysqli or mysqlnd extensions aren’t installed, WordPress cannot establish a database connection.
• Misconfigured Server: A misconfiguration in your PHP environment may prevent the required extensions from loading.

How to Fix the Error

Follow these steps to troubleshoot and resolve the issue:

1. Verify Your PHP Version

Check the PHP version installed on your server, as older versions might not support the mysqli extension.

1. Log in to your hosting control panel or server via SSH.
2. Run the following command:

   php -v

3. If the version is below 7.4, consider upgrading, as WordPress requires PHP 7.4 or higher for optimal performance.

2. Install or Enable the Required PHP Extensions

If your PHP version is compatible but the error persists, the necessary extensions might not be installed or enabled.

Steps for Linux Servers:

1. For mysqli:

   sudo apt-get install php-mysqli

2. For mysqlnd:

   sudo apt-get install php-mysqlnd

3. Restart your web server:

   sudo systemctl restart apache2   # For Apache
   sudo systemctl restart nginx     # For Nginx

Steps for cPanel/WHM:

1. Log in to cPanel and go to Select PHP Version.
2. Check the boxes for mysqli and mysqlnd.
3. Save changes.

3. Check Your PHP Configuration File

Ensure the extensions are loaded in your php.ini file.

1. Open the php.ini file (path depends on your server setup, e.g., /etc/php/7.x/apache2/php.ini).
2. Look for these lines:

   extension=mysqli
   extension=mysqlnd

3. Uncomment them by removing the semicolon (;) at the beginning.
4. Save and restart your web server.

4. Update WordPress

If you’re using an outdated version of WordPress, it may still rely on the deprecated mysql extension.

1. Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
2. Navigate to Dashboard > Updates and update WordPress to the latest version.

5. Confirm the Issue is Resolved

Reload your WordPress site. If the error persists, check your server logs for additional insights or reach out to your hosting provider for support.

Tips to Prevent This Error in the Future

• Keep PHP and WordPress Updated: Regular updates ensure compatibility with the latest extensions and security patches.
• Choose a Reliable Hosting Provider: Opt for a host that supports the latest PHP versions and has robust technical support.
• Use Monitoring Tools: Plugins like Query Monitor can help detect server-side issues before they become major problems.

Final Thoughts

The “Your PHP installation appears to be missing the MySQL extension” error can disrupt your WordPress site, but it’s easy to fix with the right approach. By understanding the cause and following the troubleshooting steps outlined above, you can get your website back up and running quickly.