---
title: "How to run the WordPress built-in database repair tool"
source: "https://docs.nexcess.com/software/kadence/run-wordpress-built-in-database-repair-tool/"
description: "If you are encountering errors related to your WordPress database, WordPress includes a built-in repair tool that can help resolve database-related issues. This…"
vertical: "Software"
area: "Kadence"
date: "2025-03-11"
last_modified: "2026-07-02"
---

# How to run the WordPress built-in database repair tool

If you are encountering errors related to your **WordPress** **database**, *WordPress* includes a built-in repair tool that can help resolve **database-related issues**. This guide will walk you through enabling and using this tool for troubleshooting purposes.

![Repair Database](https://docs.nexcess.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Repair-Database-scaled-1.jpg)

**Important**: Before proceeding, it is recommended to back up your **website** and **database** before running this tool. While this tool is designed to repair issues safely, creating a backup ensures you can restore your site if needed. If you’re not familiar with editing a config file, it’s a good idea to reach out to your hosting provider’s support team for assistance.

Accessing the wp-config.php file

First, you’ll need to access your **WordPress files**. You can do this by connecting to your website via **FTP**, using your hosting provider’s file manager, or browsing the files locally if you’re working in a local environment. Once you’re connected, navigate to the root directory of your WordPress installation. This is the main folder that contains essential directories like the `wp-content` folder and important files such as the `.htaccess` and `wp-config.php` files.

To access your files via FTP, you’ll need to find your FTP connection details through your hosting provider’s control panel. Once you have this information, you can use FTP software like [FileZilla](https://filezilla-project.org/) or [SmartFTP](https://www.smartftp.com/en-us/) to connect to your website using FTP. Once you are connected via FTP, you will be able to access your website directories.

![FTP Panel](https://docs.nexcess.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/FTP-Panel.jpg)

![Local Directory Sample](https://docs.nexcess.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Local-Directory-Sample.gif)Example of a local directory.

![Host File Editor Sample](https://docs.nexcess.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Host-File-Editor-Sample.gif)Example of hosting file manager.

Inside of your website directory, you’ll find the `wp-config.php` file. This is the file that needs to be edited for this process.

![WP Config File](https://docs.nexcess.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/WP-Config-File.jpg)

Open the `wp-config.php` file in your preferred text editor. *(On most hosting file managers, you can often edit files directly within the interface.)* If you are using an FTP connection, you can download the file and open it with a text editor like Notepad or VS Code.

![WP Config](https://docs.nexcess.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/WP-Config.gif)

Editing the wp-config file

Inside the wp-config.php file, you will need to add a line of code and save the file. Find the text that says;  
`/* That's all, stop editing! Happy publishing. */`  
  
Before the stop editing line, add the following line of code to enable the WordPress database repair tool.  
`define( 'WP_ALLOW_REPAIR', true );`

Since the repair tool does not require authentication, leaving this line in place could pose a security risk. Therefore, it is important to remove the `define( 'WP_ALLOW_REPAIR', true );` line of code from the `wp-config.php` file after you are finished using the database repair tool

![Enable Repair](https://docs.nexcess.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Enable-Repair.gif)Then, save the `wp-config.php` file and complete the steps below to run the database repair tool.

Running the WordPress database repair tool

Once the WordPress database repair is enabled in the `wp-config.php` file, you will have access to run this tool by using the following URL.  
`https://yourwebsite.com/wp-admin/maint/repair.php`  
  
Just replace `yourwebsite.com` with your website domain.

![Repair Database](https://docs.nexcess.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Repair-Database-scaled-1.jpg)You can **Repair** the **Database** or **Repair and Optimize** the **Database**. Running the repair can generally help when it comes to database-related WordPress errors/issues. If you continue to experience issues after running the repair, additional troubleshooting may be required.  
  
Once you are finished using the database repair tool, you must remove the `define( 'WP_ALLOW_REPAIR', true );` line of code from your `wp-config.php` file.   
  
This tool does not require authentication, therefore can be a security risk. So once you are done with this feature, edit the wp-config.php file, and remove the `define( 'WP_ALLOW_REPAIR', true );` line of code.

![Removing Code](https://docs.nexcess.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Removing-Code.gif)Once finished, be sure to save the `wp-config.php` file.