If you're facing the frustrating "plugin 'mysql_native_password' is not loaded" error while working with MySQL, you're not alone. This issue often pops up when trying to connect to a MySQL database, especially after an update or when working with older applications that rely on the mysql_native_passwordauthentication method. In this guide, we'll walk through the reasons behind this error and the best ways to fix it.

What causes the "Plugin 'mysql_native_password' to be not loaded" error?

MySQL introduced caching_sha2_passwordas the default authentication plugin in MySQL 8.0, replacing mysql_native_password. If your MySQL server does not have the mysql_native_password plugin enabled, or if the client software doesn't support the new caching_sha2_passwordmethod, you may run into this error.

Here are some common causes:

1. Plugin Not Installed or Missing – The mysql_native_passwordplugin is not loaded in the MySQL server.
2. Incorrect MySQL Configuration – The server may not be configured to use mysql_native_password.
3. Client Compatibility Issues – Older applications, libraries, or MySQL clients may not support caching_sha2_password.
4. Upgrade Issues – If you've recently upgraded MySQL, the plugin might not have been carried over.

How to Fix "Plugin 'mysql_native_password' is Not Loaded"

Let's go through several solutions to resolve this issue.

1. Check If the Plugin Is Installed

First, confirm whether the mysql_native_password plugin is available in your MySQL server.

Run the following command in MySQL:

This will list all installed plugins. If you don't see mysql_native_passwordin the list, you may need to load it manually.

2. Load the Plugin Manually

If the plugin isn't loaded, try manually installing it.

Run this command in MySQL:

Then, restart MySQL to apply the changes:

If the installation is successful, your error should be resolved.

3. Modify MySQL User Authentication

If the error persists, you may need to update the authentication method for the MySQL user you're trying to connect with.

Switch to mysql_native_passwordfor a specific user:

Replace 'your_user'with your MySQL username and 'your_password'with your actual password.

Once done, restart MySQL and try reconnecting.

4. Ensure MySQL Server Uses mysql_native_passwordBy Default

If you're working with an application that requires mysql_native_password, it's best to configure MySQL to use it by default.

Edit the MySQL Configuration File:

Or, for some distributions:

Add the following under [mysqld]:

Save the file and restart MySQL:

This will ensure that all new users default to mysql_native_password.

5. Check MySQL Version Compatibility

If you're running an older application, ensure that both the MySQL client and server versions are compatible. If necessary, downgrade MySQL or update your application's database driver.

Check your MySQL version using:

If needed, install a compatible version or consider switching to MariaDB , which offers better compatibility with legacy applications.

Final Thoughts

The  plugin 'mysql_native_password' is not loaded  error is a common issue when working with MySQL 8.0 or after an upgrade. In most cases, manually installing the plugin or changing the authentication method resolves the problem.

To summarize:

✅ Check if the plugin is installed using SHOW PLUGINS;
✅ Manually install the plugin with INSTALL PLUGIN mysql_native_password SONAME 'auth_socket.so';
✅ Alter user authentication with ALTER USER 'your_user'@'localhost' IDENTIFIED WITH mysql_native_password;
✅ Set mysql_native_passwordas default in MySQL configuration

By following these steps, you should be able to fix the "plugin 'mysql_native_password' is not loaded" error and get your MySQL setup working smoothly.