How do I connect to my database externally?

By Windy Hosting • April 21, 2026

To connect to your database externally, you need the database connection details from Plesk. In Websites & Domains > Databases, open the database and use the Connection Info link to view the host name or IP address, along with the database username and password needed for the connection.

For MySQL, MariaDB, and PostgreSQL, these connection details are usually enough. For Microsoft SQL Server, you also need to enter the correct SQL Server instance name as part of the host. In Plesk, this is normally a named instance such as MSSQLSERVER2012, MSSQLSERVER2014, or MSSQLSERVER2016.

Good to Know: For SQL Server, the host may need to be entered in a format such as yourdomain.com\MSSQLSERVER2012 or an IP address with the instance name added.

This post is brought to you by Windy. Windy is affordable multi-site Windows hosting for everyday websites. It is designed to get ASP.NET sites online quickly, and allow easy management. Windy suits small business projects and client hosting. Authored by Yasser Masood.

Back to the Blog