Hey there, let's work through this frustrating MySQL access issue together — I’ve dealt with this exact problem more times than I can count, so I know the steps to get you back up and running.

First, let’s break down the error you’re seeing: (using password: NO) tells us MySQL isn’t receiving the password you think you’re entering, even if you’re sure it’s correct. Let’s tackle this step by step:

1. Fix the basic login command first #

If you’re using the terminal to log in, don’t just run mysql -u root — this defaults to no password, which is why you get that "using password: NO" note. Instead:

• Recommended (secure) method:

  mysql -u root -p
  

  When prompted, type your password (it won’t show on the screen — that’s normal) and hit enter.
• If you need to include the password in the command (not ideal for security, but useful for testing):

  mysql -u root -pYourPasswordHere
  

  Important: No space between -p and your password. If your password has special characters (like !@#$), wrap it in single quotes:

  mysql -u root -p'YourPasswordWithSpecialChars!'
  

2. Reset your root password (if login still fails) #

If the above doesn’t work, we’ll reset the root password entirely:

Step 1: Stop the MySQL service #

• Windows (Admin Command Prompt):

  net stop mysql
  

• macOS (Homebrew-installed MySQL):

  brew services stop mysql
  

• Linux (Ubuntu/Debian):

  sudo systemctl stop mysql
  

Step 2: Start MySQL without permission checks #

This lets you log in without a password to reset it:

• Windows:

  mysqld --skip-grant-tables
  

  Leave this window open (it will run the MySQL process), then open a new Command Prompt window.
• macOS:

  mysqld_safe --skip-grant-tables &
  

• Linux:

  sudo mysqld_safe --skip-grant-tables &
  

Step 3: Reset the password #

In the new terminal window, run:

mysql -u root

You’ll be dropped into the MySQL command line. Now run these commands (replace YourNewSecurePassword with your desired password):

• For MySQL 5.7 and older:

  USE mysql;
  UPDATE user SET authentication_string = PASSWORD('YourNewSecurePassword') WHERE User = 'root' AND Host = 'localhost';
  FLUSH PRIVILEGES;
  EXIT;
  

• For MySQL 8.0+ (PASSWORD() function is deprecated):

  USE mysql;
  ALTER USER 'root'@'localhost' IDENTIFIED BY 'YourNewSecurePassword';
  FLUSH PRIVILEGES;
  EXIT;
  

Step 4: Restart MySQL normally #

• Windows: Go back to the first command window, press Ctrl+C to stop the skip-grant-tables process, then run:

  net start mysql
  

• macOS:

  brew services start mysql
  

• Linux:

  sudo systemctl start mysql
  

Now test logging in with your new password: mysql -u root -p

3. Fix MySQL Workbench connection issues #

If Workbench still throws errors:

• Double-check your connection settings: Ensure the username is root, host is localhost (or 127.0.0.1), and password matches the one you just set. Try unchecking "Store in Vault" and retyping the password manually.
• Verify the MySQL service is running (Workbench’s home screen will show service status at the bottom).
• Try creating a brand new connection in Workbench — sometimes old cached settings cause problems.
• If you’re on Windows, make sure you’re not trying to connect to a different MySQL service (e.g., one installed with XAMPP vs. a standalone MySQL instance).

4. Quick extra checks #

• Log into MySQL and run SELECT User, Host FROM mysql.user; to confirm the root user has localhost listed as its host. If not, run ALTER USER 'root'@'localhost' IDENTIFIED BY 'YourPassword'; to fix it.
• Ensure you’re not accidentally trying to connect to a remote MySQL server instead of your local one.

内容的提问来源于stack exchange，提问作者coderoffuture