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How to Install MySQL (CentOS)? -- MySQL 8 Guide

Meta Description: Learn step by step how to install MySQL 8, add official repositories and security settings on CentOS 7 and CentOS Stream systems.

What will you learn in this guide?​

In this content, you will learn how to install MySQL 8 on CentOS.
You will install Oracle MySQL instead of the default MariaDB.
After installation, you will complete the security and verification steps.

Technical Summary​

On CentOS systems, the yum install mysql command installs MariaDB.
This guide takes you through a real MySQL 8 installation by adding the official MySQL community repository.
Steps: adding repository, package installation, service startup, security setting and testing.

Requirements​

  • CentOS or RHEL based server\
  • sudo authorized user

Note: CentOS 7 and 8 have completed their lifecycle. CentOS Stream is recommended for production.

1️⃣ Adding MySQL Official Repository​

Check the system version first:

cat /etc/os-release

This command shows the operating system version.

Download the official MySQL 8 repository package (example el7):

curl -sSLO https://dev.mysql.com/get/mysql80-community-release-el7-5.noarch.rpm

This command downloads the MySQL repository package.

Check file integrity:

md5sum mysql80-community-release-el7-5.noarch.rpm

This command checks the authenticity of the downloaded file.

Add the repository to the system:

sudo rpm -ivh mysql80-community-release-el7-5.noarch.rpm

This process identifies the MySQL official package source.

2️⃣ MySQL Server Installation​

For CentOS 7:

sudo yum install mysql-server

This command installs the MySQL server.

For CentOS Stream 9:

sudo dnf install mysql-server

This command installs with the new package manager.

The GPG key is confirmed during installation. Press y.

3️⃣ Starting MySQL Service​

Start the service:

sudo systemctl start mysqld

This command runs the MySQL service.

Check the status:

sudo systemctl status mysqld

Verifies that the service is active.

To turn off autostart:

sudo systemctl disable mysqld

This command disables startup at startup.

4️⃣ Learning Temporary Root Password​

A temporary password is created after installation:

sudo grep 'temporary password' /var/log/mysqld.log

This command shows the temporary root password.

5️⃣ MySQL Security Configuration​

Run the security tool:

sudo mysql_secure_installation

This command configures basic security settings.

What you need to do:

  • Change root password\
  • Delete anonymous users\
  • Turn off remote root access\
  • Remove test database\
  • Refresh authorization tables

The password must be at least 12 characters.
It must contain uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers and special characters.

6️⃣ Testing the Installation​

Check version information:

mysqladmin -u root -p version

This command shows the MySQL version and uptime.

If version information is visible, the installation is successful.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)​

Why does mysql command install MariaDB?​

CentOS defaults to MariaDB instead of MySQL.

Do MySQL and MariaDB run at the same time?​

Not recommended. They share port 3306.

I'm using CentOS Stream, do the commands change?​

Yes. You should use dnf instead of yum.

Why isn't my password accepted?​

MySQL 8 enforces a strong password policy.

I get a connection error after installation, why?​

The service may not be working.
Check with systemctl status mysqld.

Result​

With this guide, you have completed the MySQL 8 installation on CentOS.
You have added the official repository and made secure configuration.

In the next step:

  • You can proceed to the MySQL user and permission management guide.\
  • You can make a full LEMP installation by installing Nginx and PHP.

You can try GenixNode infrastructure immediately for your high-performance projects.