MySQL provides language flexibility with various character sets for data storage and processing. For operations like string comparison, MySQL uses collations to establish equality and sorting order rules. Adjusting collations is essential when working with specific character sets in string data. You can use the phpMyAdmin tool in cPanel to change collation settings for databases and tables.

Change the default collation for a database

  1. Step 1: Log in to cPanel

    Access your cPanel account.

  2. Step 2: Open phpMyAdmin

    For the Jupiter theme, navigate to the Tools page, and in the Databases section, click on phpMyAdmin.

    cPanel - Databases - phpMyAdmin icon

    In the Paper Lantern theme, on the cPanel home page under the DATABASES section, click phpMyAdmin.

    phyMyAdmin

  3. Step 3: Select the database

    The phpMyAdmin administration page opens in a new window. Select the desired database by clicking its name in the left pane.

  4. Step 4: Open Operations

    On the top menu bar, click Operations.

  5. Step 5: Change the collation

    In the Collation section, choose your preferred collation for the database, then click Go.

    Note: This adjustment only applies to new tables; existing tables will retain their current collation settings.

Change the collation for a table

  1. Step 1: Log in to cPanel

    Access your cPanel account.

  2. Step 2: Open phpMyAdmin

    If you are utilizing the Jupiter theme, go to the Tools page, and within the Databases section, click on phpMyAdmin.

    cPanel - Databases - phpMyAdmin icon

    If you are employing the Paper Lantern theme, navigate to the cPanel home page's DATABASES section and click on phpMyAdmin.

    phyMyAdmin

  3. Step 3: Expand the database

    The phpMyAdmin administration page opens in a new window. In the left pane, click the + icon next to the name of the database containing the desired table to expand and reveal the tables.

  4. Step 4: Select the table

    Click the name of the specific table you wish to modify.

  5. Step 5: Open Operations

    On the top menu bar, select Operations.

  6. Step 6: Change the collation

    Under Table options, navigate to the Collation list box, choose your preferred collation for the table, and click Go.