# How to Replace MySQL with MariaDB on Ubuntu VPS

https://www.hostcarts.qa/knowledgebase/article/how-to-replace-mysql-with-mariadb-on-ubuntu-vps

**Step 1 — Backup Your MySQL Databases**

bash

sudo mysqldump --all-databases --single-transaction --quick --lock-tables=false > backup.sql

**Step 2 — Stop MySQL Service**

bash

sudo systemctl stop mysql

**Step 3 — Remove MySQL Server (Safe Removal)**

This removes MySQL binaries but keeps your data directory.

bash

sudo apt remove --purge mysql-server mysql-client mysql-common -y

sudo apt autoremove -y

sudo apt autoclean

Check if MySQL directories still exist:

bash

ls /var/lib/mysql

(They should remain — MariaDB will reuse them.)

**Step 4 — Install MariaDB Server**

Ubuntu repository:

bash

sudo apt update

sudo apt install mariadb-server mariadb-client -y

Start and enable MariaDB:

bash

sudo systemctl start mariadb

sudo systemctl enable mariadb

**Step 5 — Secure MariaDB Installation**

bash

sudo mysql_secure_installation

Follow prompts to set root password, remove test DB, etc.

**Step 6 — Verify MariaDB is Running**

bash

mysql -V

You should see something like:

Code

mysql Ver 15.1 Distrib 10.11.6-MariaDB

Login:

bash

sudo mysql

**Step 7 — (Optional) Restore Backup**

If needed:

bash

mysql < backup.sql