Access denied for user root - mysql on MAC OS

You can do the following on Mac (El Capitan)

1. Open a Terminal window, use the command below to stop mysql if it's already running.

sudo /usr/local/mysql/support-files/mysql.server stop

You can also check System Preferences > MySQL to see if it is running

2. Start MySQL with this command:

   sudo /usr/local/mysql/bin/mysqld_safe --skip-grant-tables

3. Open a new terminal window/tab:

   sudo /usr/local/mysql/bin/mysql -u root

   This should open "mysql" prompt. Execute the following command:

   $mysql> UPDATE user SET authentication_string=PASSWORD("my_password") WHERE User='root';

   Troubleshooting tips:

   A) The command for MySql versions before 5.7 was:

   $mysql> UPDATE user SET Password=PASSWORD('my_password') where USER='root';

   B) If you see ERROR 1046 (3D000): No database selected, then run this command first:

   use mysql;

   C) If you see unknown "Password" field error, then run this command:

   UPDATE USER SET AUTHENTICATION_STRING=password('NewPassword') WHERE user='root'; $mysql> FLUSH PRIVILEGES; $mysql> EXIT

   D) If you see - ERROR 1064 (42000): You have an error in your SQL syntax; It is because password function was removed in version 8.0.11. Use bare string:

   UPDATE USER SET AUTHENTICATION_STRING='NewPassword' WHERE user='root';

4. Stop MySql server

   sudo /usr/local/mysql/support-files/mysql.server stop

5. Restart MySQL, either through System Preferences > MySql or using a command.

The solution of

UPDATE user SET authentication_string=PASSWORD("my_password") WHERE User='root';

wasn’t working for me, but I did

FLUSH PRIVILEGES;
ALTER USER 'root'@'localhost' IDENTIFIED BY 'MyNewPassword';

And was able to proceed. I’m using Ver 8.0.12.