Deleting MySQL database tables using phpMyAdmin

This article describes how to delete (drop) a table in a MySQL database using phpMyAdmin.

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Warning

Be careful! When you delete a database table, all of the data in it is deleted permanently as well. Make sure you have a current database backup before deleting tables.

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Note

The following procedure demonstrates how to delete a table in a database. If you want to delete an entire database on our managed hosting plans, you cannot use phpMyAdmin. Use the
MySQL Databases tool in cPanel instead.

Deleting a table using phpMyAdmin

To delete a table in a MySQL database using phpMyAdmin, follow these steps:

1. Log in to cPanel.

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   Note

   If you do not know how to log in to your cPanel account, please see this article.

2. Open phpMyAdmin:

   • If you are using the Jupiter theme, on the Tools page, in the Databases section, click phpMyAdmin:
     

   • If you are using the Paper Lantern theme, in the DATABASES section of the cPanel home page, click phpMyAdmin:
     

3. The phpMyAdmin administration page appears in a new window. In the left pane, click the name of the database that contains the table you want to delete. For example, the following image shows the example_wordpress database selected:
   

4. In the right pane, select the check box for the table that you want to delete:
   

5. In the With selected list box, select Drop.

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   Tip

   Alternatively, if you want to keep the table, but delete all of the data that it contains instead, select Empty .

6. To disable foreign key checks, clear the Enable foreign key checks check box.

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   Important

   The foreign key check is a useful way to help prevent accidental data deletion. Only disable the foreign key check if you are sure of the effects of doing so.

7. phpMyAdmin confirms that you want to delete the table. Click Yes.

More Information

For more information about phpMyAdmin, please visit https://www.phpmyadmin.net.

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