---
title: "Database"
manual: "TYPO3 Explained"
version: "12.4"
permalink: "https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/t3coreapi:troubleshooting-database@12.4"
source: "Administration/Troubleshooting/Database.rst"
rendered: "2026-10-21T15:29:37+00:00"
---

> [!WARNING]
> **Attention**
>
> TYPO3 v12 has reached end-of-life as of April 30th 2026 and
> is no longer being maintained. Use the version switcher on the top
> left of this page to select documentation for a supported version of TYPO3.
>
> Need more time before upgrading?
> You can purchase Extended Long Term Support (ELTS) for TYPO3 v12 here:
> [TYPO3 ELTS](https://typo3.com/services/extended-support-elts).

# Database {#troubleshooting-database}

## MySQL {#mysql}

### Character Set {#troubleshooting-character-sets}

TYPO3 uses UTF-8 encoding, you will need to ensure that your
instance of MySQL also uses UTF-8. When installing TYPO3 for
the first time, you can select UTF-8 encoding when you create
the database for the first time. For an existing database, you
will have to set each table and column to use UTF-8.