Generate SQL queries to safely change the WordPress database table prefix. This can help harden security and is useful when migrating or standardizing database setups. Always create a full database backup before running these queries.
Changing the WordPress database prefix is a common security practice that helps reduce exposure to automated SQL injection attacks. If WordPress is already installed, updating the database prefix manually can be error-prone and time-consuming.
This tool allows you to generate SQL queries to change the WordPress database prefix safely, including core tables and optional WooCommerce tables, without executing anything automatically.
Why Change the WordPress Database Prefix?
By default, WordPress uses the wp_ database prefix. Because this value is widely known, it is often targeted by automated attacks.
Changing the database prefix can help:
- Reduce the risk of automated SQL injection attacks
- Obscure database structure from malicious scripts
- Improve overall WordPress security hygiene
While this is not a complete security solution by itself, it is a useful additional hardening step.
What This Database Prefix SQL Generator Does
This generator creates ready-to-run MySQL SQL queries to:
- Rename WordPress core database tables
- Update related option names and meta keys
- Optionally include WooCommerce tables
- Support WordPress Multisite setups
The tool only generates SQL queries. It does not execute them, giving you full control over when and where they are applied.
Required Information
To generate the SQL queries, you need to provide:
- Old prefix – the current database prefix (for example,
wp_) - New prefix – the new prefix you want to use (for example,
wp_secure_) - Optional settings:
- WooCommerce tables
- Multisite support
- Site IDs (comma-separated, for multisite networks)
Once entered, the tool outputs the SQL queries required to perform the prefix change.
How to Change the WordPress Database Prefix Using SQL
Follow these steps to update the database prefix safely:
- Enter the current database prefix.
- Enter the new database prefix.
- Enable optional features if needed (WooCommerce or Multisite).
- Generate the SQL queries.
- Run the queries in your MySQL database.
This method is especially useful for existing WordPress installations where the prefix was not customized during setup.
Changing the Database Prefix in WordPress Multisite
The generator supports WordPress Multisite, but there are important considerations:
- Prefix changes may need to be handled per site depending on the network structure
- Site IDs must be provided as a comma-separated list
- Some network-level tables require special care when updating prefixes
Always test prefix changes in a staging environment before applying them to production.
How to Run the SQL Queries
To apply the generated SQL queries, you need access to your WordPress MySQL database. The most common method is using phpMyAdmin, available in most hosting control panels.
Run SQL Queries Using phpMyAdmin
- Open phpMyAdmin from your hosting dashboard.
- Select the correct WordPress database.
- Go to the SQL tab.
- Paste the generated SQL queries.
- Execute the queries.
After execution, the WordPress database prefix will be updated.
Important Notes Before Running SQL Queries
Before changing the WordPress database prefix using SQL, keep these best practices in mind:
- Always create a full database backup
- Verify that
wp-config.phpis updated with the new prefix - Test the site thoroughly after applying the changes
- Be especially cautious on Multisite and WooCommerce installations
A Security-Oriented Tool for WordPress Developers
This SQL generator is intended for WordPress developers and advanced users who want a controlled and reliable way to change the WordPress database prefix using SQL.
Whether you are hardening security, cleaning up a legacy installation, or preparing a production environment, this tool helps streamline the process.