Unable to Locate Package phpmyadmin on Ubuntu VPS? Fix It in Minutes

Linux VPS 130 views 15 minute read
Sharwat Shafin July 3, 2025

Why the "Unable to locate package phpmyadmin" Error Occurs

If you've recently launched a fresh Ubuntu VPS and tried running:

Code 
sudo apt install phpmyadmin

...you might see:

Code 
E: Unable to locate package phpmyadmin

This happens because:

  • The phpmyadmin package isn't in the default Ubuntu 20.04/22.04 repositories
  • Some VPS providers ship minimal OS images with limited software sources
  • The universe repository (where phpmyadmin resides) isn't enabled

Prerequisites Before Installing phpMyAdmin

Make sure:

  • You're using a Ubuntu 20.04 or 22.04 VPS
  • You have sudo/root access
  • Your VPS is connected to the internet

If you don't have a VPS yet, check out our Ubuntu VPS Hosting Plans (Ryzen VPS page link) with root access and managed support for LAMP/LEMP setup.

Step-by-Step Fix for Ubuntu VPS

Step 1: Update Package Lists

Code 
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

Step 2: Enable the Universe Repository

Code 
sudo add-apt-repository universe
sudo apt update

Step 3: Install phpMyAdmin

Code 
sudo apt install phpmyadmin -y

During installation:

  • Select the web server (Apache or Lighttpd)
  • Configure the database with dbconfig-common
  • Set a password for phpmyadmin user

Step 4: Enable PHP Extension and Restart Apache (if needed)

Code 
sudo phpenmod mysqli
sudo systemctl restart apache2

Step 5: Access phpMyAdmin

Open your browser and visit:

http://your-server-ip/phpmyadmin

Need a secure domain with SSL? Register a secure Domain. (Domain page link)

Common Mistakes to Avo

  • Missing universe repo → Use add-apt-repository universe
  • Wrong Ubuntu version → Some older versions dropped support
  • Incomplete LAMP setup→ Make sure Apache, PHP, and MySQL are installe

Alternatives to phpMyAdmin

If phpMyAdmin feels heavy or complex, here are some alternatives:


ToolDescription
AdminerLightweight PHP-based DB admin
MySQL CLIDefault command-line client
HeidiSQLGUI-based, works via SSH tunnel

Need help choosing the right stack? Explore our Managed VPS Services (Xeon VPS page) for assistance.

Final Thoughts and Related Resources

Getting the "Unable to locate package phpmyadmin" error is common on new VPS setups, but it's easily fixable by enabling the correct APT repositories. With a properly configured LAMP stack, phpMyAdmin gives you powerful, browser-based database control.

Conclusion

The “Unable to locate package phpmyadmin” error can be frustrating, especially when setting up a fresh Ubuntu VPS. But in most cases, it simply comes down to missing repositories or outdated package lists. By enabling the universe repository and properly configuring your system, you’ll have phpMyAdmin installed and running in just a few minutes.

Whether you're managing databases, deploying a website, or configuring a full web stack, having a stable and well-supported VPS environment makes all the difference.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why am I getting 'Unable to locate package phpmyadmin' on Ubuntu?

This error occurs because the phpmyadmin package is not available in the default Ubuntu 20.04 or 22.04 repositories. You need to enable the universe repository and update your APT sources to install it.

How do I fix the 'Unable to locate package phpmyadmin' error on my VPS?
To fix this error, run the following commands

sudo add-apt-repository universe
sudo apt update
sudo apt install phpmyadmin

This will enable the required repository and install phpMyAdmin on your Ubuntu VPS.

Is phpMyAdmin available on Ubuntu 22.04?

Yes, phpMyAdmin is available on Ubuntu 22.04, but it is not included in the default package sources. You must manually enable the universe repository using:

sudo add-apt-repository universe

Then update your package list with sudo apt update.

Can I install phpMyAdmin on a VPS with a LAMP stack?
Yes, phpMyAdmin works perfectly with a LAMP stack (Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP). Just ensure that all components are properly installed and configured before installing phpMyAdmin.
What are some alternatives to phpMyAdmin for database management?

Some popular alternatives include:

  • Adminer – a lightweight PHP-based database management tool.
  • MySQL CLI – command-line client for advanced users.
  • MySQL Workbench – a GUI-based tool (run locally and connect via SSH).

These tools can also be used effectively on a VPS

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