Encountering the plugin 'mysql_native_password' is not loaded error can be frustrating, especially if you're working with applications that rely on MySQL authentication. This issue commonly occurs when MySQL 8.0 or later is used with software expecting the older mysql_native_password authentication method. If you're struggling with this problem, don't worry. I'll walk you through the causes and solutions in a clear, step-by-step manner.

Why Does This Error Happen?

This issue arises because MySQL 8.0 introduced caching_sha2_password as the default authentication method, replacing mysql_native_password. While this improves security, many applications and libraries still expect the older method. The error typically happens due to one of the following reasons:

The mysql_native_password plugin is missing or not loaded.
MySQL is configured to use caching_sha2_password instead.
Your application only supports mysql_native_password and can't handle the newer authentication method.
Upgrading MySQL caused a conflict with your previous settings.

Now, let’s look at how to fix it.

Solution 1: Check If the Plugin Is Available

Before making changes, verify whether MySQL has the mysql_native_password plugin installed. Connect to your MySQL server and run:

sql
SHOW PLUGINS;

If mysql_native_password is missing from the list, you’ll need to install it manually.

Solution 2: Load the Plugin Manually

To install the missing plugin, execute:

sql
INSTALL PLUGIN mysql_native_password SONAME 'auth_socket.so';

Then, restart the MySQL service for the changes to take effect:

bash
sudo systemctl restart mysql

Now, try connecting again to see if the issue is resolved.

Solution 3: Change the Authentication Method for a User

If your MySQL user account is set to use caching_sha2_password, switching it back to mysql_native_password can help. Run:

sql
ALTER USER 'your_user'@'localhost' IDENTIFIED WITH mysql_native_password BY 'your_password'; FLUSH PRIVILEGES;

This forces MySQL to use the older authentication method for that specific user.

Solution 4: Set MySQL to Use mysql_native_password by Default

To prevent this issue from recurring, you can configure MySQL to always use mysql_native_password.

  1. Open the MySQL configuration file:
    bash
    sudo nano /etc/mysql/my.cnf
  2. Under the [mysqld] section, add:
    ini
    default_authentication_plugin=mysql_native_password
  3. Save the file and restart MySQL:
    bash
    sudo systemctl restart mysql

Now, any new MySQL users created will default to mysql_native_password, preventing future authentication issues.

Solution 5: Ensure Your MySQL Client and Server Are Compatible

If you're using an older MySQL client or a third-party application that doesn't support caching_sha2_password, you may need to upgrade your client or downgrade your server. Check your MySQL version:

bash
mysql --version

If compatibility is an issue, consider installing an older version of MySQL or using MariaDB as an alternative.

Final Thoughts

The plugin 'mysql_native_password' is not loaded error is a common issue when working with MySQL 8.0 and legacy applications. The best way to fix it depends on your setup, but in most cases, installing the missing plugin, updating authentication settings, or modifying MySQL’s configuration will solve the problem.

By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the error and ensure your MySQL connections work smoothly. If you're still having trouble, let me know, and I'd be happy to help! ?
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