php mysqli_connect: authentication method unknown to the client [caching_sha2_password]

Question

I am using php mysqli_connect for login to a MySQL database (all on localhost)

Answer 1

If you're on Windows and it's not possible to use caching_sha2_password at all, you can do the following:

1. rerun the MySQL Installer
2. select "Reconfigure" next to MySQL Server (the top item)
3. click "Next" until you get to "Authentication Method"
4. change "Use Strong Password Encryption for Authentication (RECOMMENDED)" to "Use Legacy Authentication Method (Retain MySQL 5.X Compatibility)
5. click "Next"
6. enter your Root Account Password in Accounts and Roles, and click "Check"
7. click "Next"
8. keep clicking "Next" until you get to "Apply Configuration"
9. click "Execute"

The Installer will make all the configuration changes needed for you.