MySQL 8.0 is the world’s most popular open-source relational database. Ubuntu 24.04 LTS ships with MySQL 8.0 in its default repositories. This guide installs, secures, and verifies MySQL on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS.

Tested and valid on:

  • Ubuntu 24.04 LTS

Prerequisites

  • Ubuntu 24.04 LTS server
  • A user with sudo privileges

Step 1 – Update Package Lists

Refresh the package index:

sudo apt update

Step 2 – Install MySQL Server

Install from the Ubuntu repository:

sudo apt install mysql-server -y

Step 3 – Start and Enable MySQL

Start and enable on boot:

sudo systemctl start mysql
sudo systemctl enable mysql

Step 4 – Run the Security Script

Secure the installation with the built-in wizard:

sudo mysql_secure_installation

Follow the prompts to set a root password, remove anonymous users, disable remote root login, and remove the test database.

Step 5 – Log In to MySQL

Connect to the MySQL shell as root:

sudo mysql

Or with a password:

mysql -u root -p

Step 6 – Create a Database and User

Inside the MySQL shell:

CREATE DATABASE mydb;
CREATE USER 'dbuser'@'localhost' IDENTIFIED BY 'StrongPassword123!';
GRANT ALL PRIVILEGES ON mydb.* TO 'dbuser'@'localhost';
FLUSH PRIVILEGES;
EXIT;

Step 7 – Verify the Installation

Check the MySQL version:

mysql --version

Check service status:

sudo systemctl status mysql

Step 8 – Allow Remote Connections (optional)

Edit the MySQL config to listen on all interfaces:

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

Change bind-address to 0.0.0.0, then restart MySQL and open UFW:

sudo systemctl restart mysql
sudo ufw allow 3306/tcp

Conclusion

MySQL 8.0 is now installed and secured on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS. Create dedicated database users for each application and never use the root account for application connections.