Solving the “COLLATION ‘utf8mb4_bin’ is not valid for CHARACTER SET ‘utf8mb3′” Error

Have you ever encountered the error message COLLATION ‘utf8mb4_bin’ is not valid for CHARACTER SET ‘utf8mb3’ while working with a MySQL database? Don’t worry; you’re not alone. This common error can be a bit intimidating, but with the right guidance, you can easily resolve it. In this article, we will explain the error and provide a step-by-step solution to fix it.

Understanding the Error

The error message you’ve encountered is related to character set and collation issues in your MySQL database. Character sets and collations determine how data is stored and sorted in your database. The error message indicates a mismatch between the character set and collation settings for your database, table, or column.

Why Does This Error Occur?

This error usually occurs when you have a mix of character sets and collations in your database. The “utf8mb4_bin” character set and “utf8mb3” character set are not compatible, and MySQL throws an error when it encounters this inconsistency. To ensure data consistency and proper sorting, it’s essential to have consistent character set and collation settings throughout your database.

The Solution

To resolve the COLLATION ‘utf8mb4_bin’ is not valid for CHARACTER SET ‘utf8mb3’ error, you need to make your character set and collation settings consistent. Here’s a step-by-step solution:

1. For Each Database:
   ALTER DATABASE database_name CHARACTER SET = utf8mb4 COLLATE = utf8mb4_unicode_ci;

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   ALTER DATABASE database_name CHARACTER SET = utf8mb4 COLLATE = utf8mb4_unicode_ci;

   Replace database_name with the name of your database. This statement changes the character set and collation settings for the entire database to “utf8mb4” and “utf8mb4_unicode_ci,” respectively.

2. For Each Table:

   ALTER TABLE table_name CONVERT TO CHARACTER SET utf8mb4 COLLATE utf8mb4_unicode_ci;

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   ALTER TABLE table_name CONVERT TO CHARACTER SET utf8mb4 COLLATE utf8mb4_unicode_ci;

   Replace table_name with the name of the table where you encountered the error. This statement changes the character set and collation settings for the specified table to match the database settings.

3. For Each Column:

   ALTER TABLE table_name CHANGE column_name column_name VARCHAR(191) CHARACTER SET utf8mb4 COLLATE utf8mb4_unicode_ci;

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   ALTER TABLE table_name CHANGE column_name column_name VARCHAR(191) CHARACTER SET utf8mb4 COLLATE utf8mb4_unicode_ci;

   Replace table_name and column_name with the table and column names where the error occurred. This statement changes the character set and collation settings for the specified column to match the table settings.

Please note that the example statements provided are for a ‘VARCHAR’ column type with a maximum length of 191 characters. The exact statements may vary based on your specific column types and requirements.

By following these steps to ensure consistent character set and collation settings in your MySQL database, you can successfully resolve the COLLATION ‘utf8mb4_bin’ is not valid for CHARACTER SET ‘utf8mb3‘ error. This will help maintain data integrity and enable your database to function smoothly. Remember to back up your database before making any changes to avoid data loss, and always consult your database administrator or developer for guidance if you’re unsure about the process. Happy coding!