MySQL throws ER_PASSWORD_NOT_ALLOWED (error 1132) when a user without UPDATE privilege on the mysql system database attempts to change another user's password.
MySQL Error 1132: ER_PASSWORD_NOT_ALLOWED appears when an account lacking UPDATE privilege on the mysql system tables tries to modify another user’s credentials. Grant the proper administrative privilege or run the ALTER USER command from a privileged account to resolve the issue permanently.
You must have privileges to update tables in the mysql
MySQL raises error 1132 with the message “You must have privileges to update tables in the mysql database to be able to change passwords for others” when the current session lacks the rights needed to edit system‐level credential tables.
The mysql system database stores account and privilege data. Any statement that writes to these tables or implicitly modifies them, such as ALTER USER or SET PASSWORD, triggers a permission check.
Failure results in ER_PASSWORD_NOT_ALLOWED.
The error stems from missing UPDATE or ALTER rights on the mysql.user table or the global ALTER USER privilege (MySQL 8.0+). Attempts to reset another user’s password without sufficient rights will be blocked.
Replication setups, automated scripts, and GUI tools often run under reduced-privilege accounts.
When they perform maintenance tasks like user rotation, the server rejects the action and throws 1132.
Connect as a privileged account such as root or any user with the SUPER or CREATE USER privilege. Grant the required privilege to the calling account or run the password change as the privileged account.
After adjusting privileges, re-execute the ALTER USER, SET PASSWORD, or administrative stored procedure.
Successful completion confirms the fix.
CI/CD scripts that rotate credentials every deployment commonly fail if the service account lost SUPER rights. Restore the rights or execute the rotation from a privileged automation user.
Shared hosting environments often provide limited accounts.
Request elevated privileges from the DBA or use MySQL’s RESET PASSWORD statement through a control panel that runs as root.
Always create a dedicated administration role with ALTER USER or SUPER privilege for credential management. Do not overload application accounts with unnecessary system rights.
Audit privilege drift regularly and automate checks with Galaxy’s SQL editor.
Galaxy’s role-aware AI copilot flags statements that require higher privileges, helping teams catch 1132 before deployment.
Error 1290 (ER_OPTION_PREVENTS_STATEMENT) blocks password changes when read-only mode is on. Turn off read-only or switch to a writable replica.
Error 1396 (ER_CANNOT_USER) indicates the account does not exist. Verify user name spelling or create the user before altering it.
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The calling account lacks direct UPDATE rights on the mysql.user table, preventing any password modification.
MySQL 8.0+ requires ALTER USER; older versions rely on SUPER.
Absence of these rights triggers the error.
A read-only global variable or replication role suppresses writes to system tables, resulting in a permission error.
CI/CD or backup scripts may connect with limited credentials, lacking the authority to reset passwords.
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Run SHOW GRANTS FOR CURRENT_USER(); to list all privileges assigned to your session.
No. A user with ALTER USER, UPDATE on mysql.user, or SUPER privilege must grant you rights or perform the password change.
Changing your own password usually requires only the ALTER USER privilege for SELF. Lack of even that will trigger 1132.
Galaxy’s AI copilot inspects queries, highlights privilege requirements, and warns when a statement needs ALTER USER or SUPER rights before execution.
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