To connect MySQL Workbench or another MySQL GUI to a server running on your Mac, create a MySQL connection using 127.0.0.1, the server’s actual listening port (3306 by default), and a MySQL account that can authenticate. The GUI is a client; it does not install or start the database server.
Before you connect: make sure a MySQL server is running
A GUI client can connect only to a MySQL Server process that is installed and running. First identify how you installed the server—such as Homebrew or Oracle’s macOS installer—then start that installation’s service and use its configured port. Avoid starting a second installation just because the GUI cannot connect: separate installations can compete for the same default port.
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Starting a Homebrew installation
Homebrew’s current MySQL formula documents these commands:
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brew services start mysqlThe formula says its server is configured to accept connections from localhost by default. Check the current Homebrew MySQL formula for version-specific service details.
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Using Oracle’s macOS installer
Keep an Oracle installer-managed server distinct from a Homebrew-managed one. Oracle notes that both installation methods can coexist, but they use separate locations and may contend for the default port. If the GUI reaches an unexpected instance or the port is occupied, identify which server is running and stop the other instance as appropriate. See Oracle’s MySQL macOS installation notes.
Connect with MySQL Workbench
- Open MySQL Workbench and add a connection.
- Choose Standard (TCP/IP) as the connection method.
- Set Hostname to
127.0.0.1, Port to the server’s actual listening port, and Username to a valid MySQL account. The documented default TCP/IP port is 3306, but your server may use a different port. - Enter or save the password for that account, then choose Test Connection. You can leave the default schema blank when setting up the initial connection.
- If the test succeeds, save the connection and open it.
Workbench’s Standard TCP/IP Connection Method uses TCP/IP to connect to MySQL Server. Its connection setup instructions describe the connection fields.
Connect with DBeaver or another GUI
In DBeaver, create a MySQL connection and enter the same host, port, username, and password. Use the port configured for the server you intend to reach. DBeaver Community supports MySQL, and its download page lists a macOS Apple Silicon build; the Community edition is free and open source. See DBeaver’s download page.
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Why use 127.0.0.1 instead of localhost?
For an explicit local TCP/IP connection, 127.0.0.1 makes the IPv4 loopback destination clear. On Unix-like systems, MySQL command-line clients treat localhost specially and use a Unix socket by default; specifying a port does not necessarily force TCP. When diagnosing from the command line, use 127.0.0.1 or explicitly request TCP/IP. This behavior is described in the MySQL connection guide.
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There is also an authentication distinction: Workbench warns that localhost can resolve to either 127.0.0.1 or ::1 (IPv6 loopback). MySQL account host grants may match those addresses differently. If the connection reaches the server but authentication is denied, check whether the account is permitted to connect from the address being used.
Troubleshoot a failed connection
Connection refused or timed out
- Confirm that the intended MySQL server process is running.
- Check that the GUI’s host and port match the server’s TCP/IP listening endpoint. Port 3306 is the documented default, not a guarantee about your installation.
- Check for another MySQL process or installation using the port.
Socket error, or a port that seems to be ignored
This commonly arises when a command-line check uses localhost and therefore takes the Unix socket route. Retry with 127.0.0.1 or explicitly select TCP/IP, and make sure the GUI itself is configured for Standard TCP/IP.
Access denied
Verify the account name and password, then check the account’s host grants against the address used for the connection. A successful network connection followed by an access-denied message points to authentication or account permissions rather than a server that is not listening.
The GUI connects to the wrong server
If you have both Homebrew and Oracle-managed MySQL installations, determine which instance is running and which port it listens on. A connection to 127.0.0.1 reaches the service on the selected port; it does not identify the installation by itself.
Keep a local development server local
A localhost-only bind is normally appropriate when the GUI and server run on the same Mac. Homebrew’s current formula says its MySQL server is configured for localhost-only connections by default. Do not expose the server to other machines just to connect a GUI running on that Mac.
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