Fix: "You Are Using Your Maximum Allotment (1) of MariaDB/MySQL Databases"

Error Explanation

This error means that your hosting provider limits you to only one database, and you've reached that limit. If you need to create another database, you'll need to either delete an existing one or upgrade your hosting plan.

For broader MariaDB tuning topics, see MariaDB Maximum Table Size (innodb_file_per_table), MariaDB Limits — Understanding and Managing Database Limits, and Fix: cacheEngine=none in MySQL/MariaDB.

Understanding the Database Limit

Most shared hosting plans restrict the number of databases to manage server resources. This guide will help you work within or overcome this limitation.

Check Your Current Databases

If you already have a database, check its status before creating a new one.

Using cPanel

Using SSH (For VPS/SSH Users)

Run:

SSH Command
    
mysql -u root -p -e "SHOW DATABASES;"

Example Output:

Expected Output
+--------------------+
| Database          |
+--------------------+
| information_schema |
| existing_db        |
+--------------------+

If there's only one database, and you need another, move to Solution 2.

Reuse the Existing Database

If your plan only allows one database, you can reuse it by creating new tables instead of a new database.

Create a New Table in the Existing Database

SQL Command
CREATE TABLE my_new_table (
    id INT PRIMARY KEY AUTO_INCREMENT,
    name VARCHAR(255),
    email VARCHAR(255)
);

This allows you to store new data without creating a new database.

CREATE TABLE wp_users (...);
CREATE TABLE joomla_users (...);
CREATE TABLE custom_app_data (...);

Backup and Delete an Unused Database

If you no longer need your current database, you can delete it and create a new one.

Backup Your Database Before Deleting

Using mysqldump (Command Line)
    
mysqldump -u root -p existing_db > backup.sql

or use phpMyAdmin:

Delete the Current Database

cPanel Method

Manual SQL Command

SQL Delete Command
    
DROP DATABASE existing_db;

Now you can create a new database.

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Upgrade Your Hosting Plan

If you need more than one database, contact your hosting provider and upgrade to a higher plan.

Hosting Plans That Support Multiple Databases