Install new MariaDB on macOS when using MAMP for Moodle (bypass MAMP MariaDB limit)

When developing Moodle on macOS, many use MAMP for Apache, PHP, and MySQL/MariaDB. However, MAMP often ships an older MariaDB/MySQL (e.g. 8.x), while newer Moodle requires MariaDB >= 10.11. The solution: install a new MariaDB via Homebrew and use MAMP only for Apache + PHP.

1. The problem with MAMP and Moodle

MAMP typically uses an old MariaDB/MySQL (e.g. 8.x). Newer Moodle versions require MariaDB >= 10.11, so the system check fails and Moodle will not install or upgrade.

2. Install MariaDB via Homebrew

Install Homebrew first, then run:

brew install mariadb

3. Start MariaDB

brew services start mariadb

4. First login

sudo mysql

5–7. Create database, user, and grant privileges

CREATE DATABASE brisky2026 DEFAULT CHARACTER SET utf8mb4 COLLATE utf8mb4_unicode_ci;
CREATE USER 'brisky2026'@'localhost' IDENTIFIED BY '12345678';
GRANT ALL PRIVILEGES ON brisky2026.* TO 'brisky2026'@'localhost';
FLUSH PRIVILEGES;

8. Import Moodle database

mysql -u brisky2026 -p12345678 brisky2026 < ~/Downloads/briskynew.sql

9. Verify import and table prefix

mysql -u brisky2026 -p12345678 -e "SHOW TABLES FROM brisky2026;"

You should see many tables; if they use a custom prefix (e.g. js0h_), set the same prefix in Moodle config.

10–11. config.php

In config.php set dbhost to 127.0.0.1, use your database name, user, password, and the correct prefix (e.g. js0h_).

12–14. Restart Apache, clear Moodle cache, open site

Restart MAMP Apache, clear moodledata/cache and sessions if needed, then open http://localhost:8888/brisky.

Common issues

Wrong table prefix → Moodle runs installer; wrong user/password → no DB connection; wrong wwwroot → login issues.

Conclusion

Use MAMP for Apache + PHP and Homebrew for a modern MariaDB so you get MariaDB 10.11+ and a Moodle-compatible setup on macOS.