MySQL 9 brings improved performance, enhanced JSON support, and better replication capabilities over previous versions. Ubuntu 26.04 LTS includes MySQL 9 in its default repositories, making installation straightforward. This guide installs, secures, and verifies MySQL 9.

Tested and valid on:

Ubuntu 26.04 LTS

Prerequisites

Ubuntu 26.04 LTS server
A user with sudo privileges

Step 1 – Install MySQL Server

sudo apt update
sudo apt install mysql-server -y

Step 2 – Check MySQL Version and Status

mysql --version
sudo systemctl status mysql

Step 3 – Run the Security Script

The mysql_secure_installation script removes test databases, anonymous users, and sets root password policy:

sudo mysql_secure_installation

Step 4 – Log In to MySQL

On Ubuntu, root uses auth_socket by default:

sudo mysql

Verify the version:

SELECT VERSION();
exit

Step 5 – Create a Database and User

sudo mysql
CREATE DATABASE appdb;
CREATE USER 'appuser'@'localhost' IDENTIFIED BY 'SecurePassword2026!';
GRANT ALL PRIVILEGES ON appdb.* TO 'appuser'@'localhost';
FLUSH PRIVILEGES;
exit

Step 6 – Test with the New User

mysql -u appuser -p
SHOW DATABASES;
exit

Step 7 – Enable Remote Access (optional)

To allow remote connections, edit the bind-address:

sudo nano /etc/mysql/mysql.conf.d/mysqld.cnf

Change bind-address to 0.0.0.0, then allow the port in UFW:

sudo ufw allow 3306/tcp
sudo systemctl restart mysql

Step 8 – Enable MySQL at Boot

sudo systemctl enable mysql

Conclusion

MySQL 9 is now installed and secured on Ubuntu 26.04 LTS. Your database server is ready to support PHP applications, Python services, and any other workloads that require a relational database.

How to Install MySQL 9 on Ubuntu 26.04