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How to Fix “MySQL Server Has Gone Away” Error

Learn how to fix the “MySQL Server Has Gone Away” error caused by connection timeouts, large queries, or misconfigurations in MySQL. This guide covers adjusting timeout settings, increasing packet size, resolving disk space issues, and ensuring proper network connectivity. Use our free chatbot for troubleshooting help with technical issues.

Key Takeaways

The “MySQL server has gone away” error typically occurs due to connection timeouts, large queries exceeding size limits, or server misconfigurations.
Several timeout and packet size variables in MySQL need to be adjusted for resolution.
Network connectivity and server space issues can also lead to this error.
Switching MySQL adapters may help when using specific applications like Matomo.
Professional troubleshooting via official MySQL and Oracle resources can be utilized if the problem persists.

Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing the “MySQL Server Has Gone Away” Error

Step 1: Check and Adjust `wait_timeout` Variable

Why

MySQL closes database connections if inactivity exceeds the wait_timeout period. This can result in dropped connections even during expected operations.

How

Open the MySQL configuration file (e.g., my.cnf or my.ini):
```
sudo nano /etc/mysql/my.cnf
```
Locate the wait_timeout variable. The default value is 28800 (8 hours). Consider increasing the value:
```
wait_timeout = 28800
```
Save the file and restart the MySQL server for the changes to take effect:
```
sudo /etc/init.d/mysql restart
```

Step 2: Increase `max_allowed_packet` Size

Why

Large queries, particularly those with extensive data or blob fields, may exceed the max_allowed_packet limit, triggering this error.

How

Edit the my.cnf configuration file.
Locate or add the following variable, and set it to a larger value:
```
max_allowed_packet = 128M
```
Restart the MySQL server:
```
sudo /etc/init.d/mysql restart
```
Bonus Tip: If you are using a GUI tool like phpMyAdmin, ensure the upload limit in php.ini is also adequate.

Step 3: Check and Adjust `innodb_log_file_size` Variable

Why

Insufficient log file sizes can result in MySQL rejecting transactions or dropping packets.

How

Locate the innodb_log_file_size parameter in the MySQL configuration file.
Increase the value based on the size of your transactions:
```
innodb_log_file_size = 128M
```
Restart the MySQL service to apply the settings:
```
sudo /etc/init.d/mysql restart
```

Pro Tip: Before increasing, verify current log sizes through these commands:

SHOW VARIABLES LIKE 'innodb_log_file_size';

Step 4: Verify Server Status and Network Connectivity

Why

Server downtime or unstable connections may cause intermittent issues.

How

Check the server status:
```
sudo systemctl status mysql
```
Confirm network connectivity:
```
ping <server_IP_address>
```
For remote database access, verify firewall rules and allow-list the client IP.

Affiliate Recommendation: Use a trusted VPN like NordVPN to ensure secure access when troubleshooting remotely.

Step 5: Adjust Other Timeout Variables

Why

Timeout errors may still occur due to other variables like connect_timeout, net_read_timeout, or interactive_timeout.

How

Modify these variables in my.cnf:

net_read_timeout = 90
net_write_timeout = 90
interactive_timeout = 300
connect_timeout = 90

Restart MySQL for the changes to apply.

Step 6: Check for Database Space Issues

Why

MySQL may stop processing requests if the disk runs out of space.

How

Check the remaining disk space:
```
df -h
```
Free up space by clearing logs or deleting redundant data:
```
sudo rm -rf /var/log/mysql/*
```

Affiliate Recommendation: Use tools like MiniTool Power Data Recovery to recover deleted or misplaced files.

Step 7: Switch MySQL Adapter in Matomo

Why

Specific adapters, such as MySQLi in Matomo, may cause compatibility-related errors.

How

Open your application-specific configuration file:
```
nano /path/to/config.ini.php
```
Change to PDO MySQL adapter:
```
adapter = PDO\MySQL
```

Step 8: Refer to Additional Resources

If all else fails:

Visit the MySQL documentation.
Utilize Oracle’s self-help page for resolving connection issues.
Consider specialized data recovery tools like EaseUS MS SQL Recovery for corrupted databases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What does “MySQL server has gone away” mean?
This error signifies that the client cannot establish or maintain a connection with the MySQL server.

Q2: Can increasing max_allowed_packet solve this issue entirely?
No, it addresses specific large-query errors. Other factors like timeout settings and server health must also be configured.

Q3: How do I know if my server is timing out connections?
Check MySQL’s wait_timeout and interactive_timeout settings. If logs suggest dropped connections, increase these values.

Q4: Will adjusting settings risk my database integrity?
No, but restarting MySQL may interrupt ongoing tasks. Always back up before applying changes.

Q5: Is this issue related to bad hosting providers?
While shared hosting environments may induce connection issues due to limited resources, proper configurations can mitigate this.

Affiliate Tip: EaseUS LockMyFile can help encrypt sensitive server files, adding an additional security layer for remote database management.

End of Guide
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