MAMP is a valuable tool for facilitating the development of dynamic websites within a local environment. This allows you to install and test WordPress and other website components on your computer, eliminating the need for a web host or server. However, like most tools, occasional errors may arise.

What Is the Error MAMP phpMyAdmin Not Working, and Why Does It Happen?

MAMP derives its name from its components: MacOS, Apache, MySQL, or MariaDB, and PHP, Perl, or Python. Users also have the flexibility to opt for alternative components during installation. The MAMP package incorporates the phpMyAdmin tool, allowing users to access and manage databases using MySQL or MariaDB.

Sometimes, a phpMyAdmin error may result in a blank page when you attempt to access the tool via the MAMP home page in your web browser. It could also prevent you from selecting the tool altogether, deactivating the link in the phpMyAdmin menu.

When you encounter a phpMyAdmin problem, you may receive an error message providing insights into the issue. However, this is only sometimes the case. When faced with a nonspecific error and no additional information, follow the steps below to troubleshoot and rectify the situation.

How to Fix the Error MAMP “phpMyAdmin Not Working”?

1. Database Connection Error

A database connection error occurs when your phpMyAdmin tool cannot establish a connection with the MySQL database. Typically, this issue arises from incorrect settings in the MAMP phpMyAdmin configuration file. It might happen when you reinstall MAMP on your computer or install MAMP on another machine without updating the default settings.

You'll notice this error when you access the Tools menu on the MAMP home page. The phpMyAdmin menu option will show "MySQL server is not running."



Step - 1: Find the Configuration File
To start the troubleshooting process, ensure that you stop any active servers and quit the MAMP application if it's running.

The phpMyAdmin configuration file is located within your MAMP application and facilitates the connection between the tool and its associated database. Specifically, the config.inc.php file contains settings that align with your database configuration.

In Windows, this file is located at C:/MAMP/bin/phpMyAdmin/.


Step 2: Correct the Configuration File Settings
After opening the config.inc.php file, you should identify the following database configuration settings:

• DB_NAME
• DB_USER
• DB_PASSWORD
• DB_HOST

Next, compare these settings with your MySQL database configuration. Correct any errors & save the config.inc.php file.



To determine if the error has been resolved, follow these steps:

1. In MAMP, initiate your servers and attempt to access the phpMyAdmin tool through the MAMP home page menu. (If MAMP fails to start, address that issue first.)
2. You should now be able to select phpMyAdmin to use the tool. If not, close MAMP, return to the config.inc.php file and locate the port settings.

1. Adjust the port settings to match your MAMP installation's Port Settings.
2. Test the tool again to verify if the error has been resolved.

2. Blank phpMyAdmin Page

Step - 1: Rename the Folder
Initially, you can resolve this issue by renaming the phpMyAdmin folder. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Close the MAMP application.
2. Locate the phpMyAdmin folder within the application support directory.

Windows Users can go to C:\Users\Public\Documents\Appsolute\MAMP\phpMyAdmi n.

Change the name of the phpMyAdmin folder to "phpMyAdmin_old." Afterward, launch MAMP, restart your servers, and access the phpMyAdmin tool as usual.


Step - 2: Install the Latest Version of phpMyAdmin
If renaming the phpMyAdmin folder doesn't resolve the error, you can revert to the latest stable version within your MAMP installation. Here's how to proceed:


1. If you had renamed the folder as previously instructed, revert its name to "phpMyAdmin."
2. Download the latest version of phpMyAdmin. Unzip the downloaded file & transfer it to your \appsolute\MAMP folder. You will have two phpMyAdmin folders: the original one and the previous release you just downloaded.




3. PHP Version Compatibility Error

Suppose you encounter an error message indicating that phpMyAdmin requires a specific PHP version within a specified range. In that case, it may be due to an outdated PHP version or an update incompatible with your MAMP version. To address this, follow these steps:

1. In MAMP Pro, access Preferences and navigate to the PHP tab.
2. In the drop-down menu, select a PHP version that falls within the range provided in the error message.
3. Return to the MAMP home page and refresh your web browser. Click "Tools" in the menu to confirm whether the error has been resolved.