MySQL is a popular open-source relational database management system that is widely used for web-based applications and data management. MySQL 8.0 is the latest version of the software, but sometimes you may need to downgrade to an earlier version for compatibility reasons or to fix issues that may have arisen after upgrading.

Downgrading MySQL can be a bit tricky, but it’s not impossible. In this article, we will take a look at the steps you need to take to downgrade from MySQL 8.0 on Windows, Mac, and Linux.

Why Downgrade?

There are several reasons why you may need to downgrade from MySQL 8.0. Some of the most common reasons include:

• Compatibility issues: If you have older applications that are not compatible with MySQL 8.0, you may need to downgrade to a version that they can work with.
• Performance issues: Some users have reported performance issues after upgrading to MySQL 8.0. Downgrading to an earlier version may fix these problems.
• Bug fixes: If you have encountered bugs in MySQL 8.0 that are not yet fixed, downgrading to an earlier version may be the best solution.
• Personal preference: Some users may simply prefer to use an earlier version of MySQL for personal reasons.

How to Downgrade MySQL 8.0 on Windows

Downgrading MySQL 8.0 on Windows is a bit more complicated than on Mac or Linux, but it can still be done. Here are the steps you need to take:

Step 1: Uninstall MySQL 8.0

The first step in downgrading MySQL on Windows is to uninstall the current version of the software. To do this, you will need to go to the Control Panel and select “Programs and Features.” Find MySQL 8.0 in the list of installed programs and click on “Uninstall.” Follow the prompts to remove the software from your system.

Step 2: Download the Older Version of MySQL

Once MySQL 8.0 has been uninstalled, you will need to download the older version of the software that you want to use. You can download the installer for any version of MySQL from the official MySQL website.

Step 3: Install the Older Version of MySQL

After you have downloaded the older version of MySQL, you can install it on your system. Simply run the installer and follow the prompts to install the software.

Step 4: Restore Data

After the installation is complete, you will need to restore your data from a backup. This is important because uninstalling MySQL 8.0 will also remove all of your data.

Step 5: Update Your Applications

After your data has been restored, you will need to update your applications to use the older version of MySQL. This may involve updating connection strings and other settings in your code.

How to Downgrade MySQL 8.0 on Mac

Downgrading MySQL 8.0 on Mac is a bit easier than on Windows, but it still requires a few steps. Here’s what you need to do:

Step 1: Uninstall MySQL 8.0

The first step in downgrading MySQL on Mac is to uninstall the current version of the software. To do this, you will need to open the Terminal and enter the following command:

sudo /usr/local/mysql/bin/mysql_uninstall

This will remove MySQL 8.0 from your system.

Step 2: Download the Older Version of MySQL

Once MySQL 8.0 has been uninstalled, you will need to download the older version of the software that you want to use.

You can download the installer for any version of MySQL from the official MySQL website.

Step 3: Install the Older Version of MySQL

After you have downloaded the older version of MySQL, you can install it on your system. Simply double-click on the installer and follow the prompts to install the software.

Step 4: Restore Data

After the installation is complete, you will need to restore your data from a backup. This is important because uninstalling MySQL 8.0 will also remove all of your data.

Step 5: Update Your Applications

After your data has been restored, you will need to update your applications to use the older version of MySQL. This may involve updating connection strings and other settings in your code.

How to Downgrade MySQL 8.0 on Linux

Downgrading MySQL 8.0 on Linux is similar to downgrading on Mac, but there are a few differences. Here’s what you need to do:

Step 1: Stop MySQL 8.0

The first step in downgrading MySQL on Linux is to stop the current version of the software. To do this, you will need to open the Terminal and enter the following command:

sudo service mysql stop

This will stop MySQL 8.0 from running on your system.

Step 2: Uninstall MySQL 8.0

Once MySQL 8.0 has been stopped, you can uninstall the software. To do this, you will need to enter the following command:

sudo apt-get remove mysql-server-8.0

This will remove MySQL 8.0 from your system.

Step 3: Download the Older Version of MySQL

Once MySQL 8.0 has been uninstalled, you will need to download the older version of the software that you want to use. You can download the installer for any version of MySQL from the official MySQL website.

Step 4: Install the Older Version of MySQL

After you have downloaded the older version of MySQL, you can install it on your system. To do this, you will need to enter the following command:

sudo apt-get install mysql-server-<version>

Replace <version> with the version number of the older version of MySQL that you want to use.

Step 5: Restore Data

After the installation is complete, you will need to restore your data from a backup. This is important because uninstalling MySQL 8.0 will also remove all of your data.

Step 6: Update Your Applications

After your data has been restored, you will need to update your applications to use the older version of MySQL. This may involve updating connection strings and other settings in your code.

Conclusion

Downgrading from MySQL 8.0 on Windows, Mac, and Linux is not difficult, but it does require some steps. It’s important to backup your data before downgrading, as uninstalling MySQL 8.0 will also remove all of your data. Additionally, be sure to update your applications to use the older version of MySQL after downgrading. By following the steps outlined in this article, you should be able to downgrade from MySQL 8.0 without any problems.