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What you need before connecting
A GUI client is a separate program from MySQL Server. Installing Workbench or DBeaver does not itself install or start the database server. The connection succeeds only when a running server is listening at the address and port you enter and the account can authenticate.
- A running MySQL Server instance on the Mac.
- The host address and TCP/IP port for that instance. MySQL’s documented default TCP/IP port is 3306, but an installation can use a different port.
- A valid MySQL username and password for the server.
Connect with MySQL Workbench
- Confirm the server is running. Identify the installation you intend to use if you have more than one MySQL installation on the Mac.
- Add a connection in Workbench. Choose the standard Standard (TCP/IP) method.
- Enter the endpoint and account. Set Hostname to
127.0.0.1, Port to the server’s actual listening port (3306 is the default), and Username to an account that can log in. Enter or save the password using the client’s password controls. You can leave the default schema blank while setting up the connection. - Test before saving. Select Test Connection. If the test succeeds, save the connection and open it.
Workbench describes this method as: “This connection method enables MySQL Workbench to connect to MySQL Server using TCP/IP.” See the Workbench Standard TCP/IP Connection Method documentation for the connection settings.
Connect with DBeaver
DBeaver Community is a multi-database alternative that supports MySQL. Its download page lists an Apple Silicon macOS build and describes Community as free and open source. Create a MySQL connection, then use the same local endpoint, listening port, username, and password described above. Check the DBeaver download page for the current macOS build options.
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Start a Homebrew MySQL server
If you installed MySQL with Homebrew, the formula documents these commands:
- Install the server:
brew install mysql - Start it as a Homebrew service:
brew services start mysql - Use your GUI client to connect to
127.0.0.1on the port that instance listens on, with a MySQL account valid for it.
The Homebrew MySQL formula says the server is configured to allow connections from localhost by default. Formula details and service behavior can change, so check the current formula if the commands or setup differ on your Mac.
Why use 127.0.0.1 instead of localhost?
For a GUI’s explicit TCP/IP connection, 127.0.0.1 identifies the IPv4 loopback address and makes the intended transport clear. In Unix-like environments, MySQL command-line clients treat localhost specially and commonly use a Unix socket rather than TCP/IP; supplying a port alone does not necessarily switch that behavior. Use 127.0.0.1 or explicitly request TCP/IP when diagnosing with the command line. See the MySQL connection documentation.
There is also an account-matching consequence: Workbench notes that localhost may resolve to either 127.0.0.1 or ::1 (IPv6 loopback). MySQL account grants can distinguish these host addresses, so a connection that reaches the server can still be denied if the account’s host grant does not match the address used.
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Troubleshoot a failed connection
Connection refused or timeout
- Verify the intended MySQL server process is running.
- Confirm the GUI’s host and port match the address and port where that server listens. Do not assume 3306 if the instance is configured differently.
- Check that the client is using TCP/IP and that the server accepts local connections.
Socket error or a port that seems ignored
This commonly arises when diagnosing with a command-line client using localhost, because it may choose a Unix socket instead of TCP. Try 127.0.0.1 or explicitly select TCP/IP, then verify the port for the server instance.
Access denied
- Check the username and password for the server you are reaching.
- Check the MySQL account’s host grants against the address used. A grant matching
localhost,127.0.0.1, or::1may not be interchangeable.
The GUI connects to the wrong server or port
Look for multiple MySQL installations or running instances and determine which one owns the listening port. Oracle’s macOS installation notes explain that an installer-managed installation and a Homebrew installation can coexist and may contend for default ports. Keep their locations and startup methods distinct, and stop the unintended instance if it conflicts. See Oracle’s MySQL macOS installation notes.
Choose a client for your workflow
| Client | Useful when you want | Apple Silicon availability in cited sources |
|---|---|---|
| MySQL Workbench | MySQL-focused visual modeling, SQL development, and administration | Official product page lists Mac availability; check the current download and compatibility details for your macOS release. |
| DBeaver Community | A multi-database interface that also supports MySQL | DBeaver’s download page lists an Apple Silicon macOS build. |
Neither client is universally best. Choose based on whether you need MySQL-specific modeling and administration or prefer one interface for multiple database systems. For either client, verify that the current build supports your macOS version and that its connection settings match the server you actually run. See the MySQL Workbench product page and DBeaver downloads.
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