How to fix ERROR 1041 (42000): You are not allowed to create a user with GRANT

Error Message#

When encountering MySQL Error 1410, you'll see a message similar to:

ERROR 1410 (42000): You are not allowed to create a user with GRANT

What It Means#

This error occurs when attempting to create a new MySQL user and grant privileges in a single statement using MySQL 8.0 or later versions.

The error indicates that MySQL no longer allows the implicit creation of users through the GRANT statement, which was possible in earlier versions.

Common Causes#

1. Using old MySQL syntax: Attempting to use pre-MySQL 8.0 syntax to create users with GRANT
2. Missing CREATE USER statement: Trying to grant privileges to a non-existent user
3. Upgrade-related issues: Recently upgraded to MySQL 8.0 without updating scripts
4. Typos in username or hostname: Incorrectly specified user causing MySQL to attempt user creation
5. Authentication plugin conflicts: Using deprecated authentication methods
6. Insufficient administrative privileges: Lacking permissions to create users

How to Fix#

Solution 1: Use the Two-Step Approach#

Create the user first, then grant privileges separately:

-- Step 1: Create the user
CREATE USER 'username'@'hostname' IDENTIFIED BY 'password';

-- Step 2: Grant privileges
GRANT SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE ON database_name.* TO 'username'@'hostname';

-- Apply the changes
FLUSH PRIVILEGES;

Solution 2: Verify User Existence#

Check if the user already exists before granting privileges:

-- List all users
SELECT user, host FROM mysql.user;

-- Create the user only if needed
CREATE USER IF NOT EXISTS 'username'@'hostname' IDENTIFIED BY 'password';

Solution 3: Check for Host Configuration Issues#

Verify and fix user host settings:

-- Check existing users and their hosts
SELECT user, host FROM mysql.user WHERE user = 'username';

-- Create user with correct hostname
CREATE USER 'username'@'hostname' IDENTIFIED BY 'password';

-- Grant privileges to the correct user-host combination
GRANT ALL PRIVILEGES ON database_name.* TO 'username'@'hostname';
FLUSH PRIVILEGES;

Solution 4: Enable Remote Access#

For users connecting from remote hosts:

-- Create user for remote connections
CREATE USER 'username'@'%' IDENTIFIED BY 'password';

-- Grant privileges for remote access
GRANT SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE ON database_name.* TO 'username'@'%';
FLUSH PRIVILEGES;

Solution 5: Address Authentication Plugin Issues#

Use compatible authentication plugins for older clients:

-- Create user with mysql_native_password authentication
CREATE USER 'username'@'hostname' IDENTIFIED WITH mysql_native_password BY 'password';

-- Grant privileges
GRANT ALL PRIVILEGES ON database_name.* TO 'username'@'hostname';
FLUSH PRIVILEGES;