Software⏱️ 3 min read📅 2026-06-19

How to Fix ERROR 1018 Error – Homebrew MySQL error: ERROR 1018 (HY000): Can't read dir of '.' (errno: 13)

MySQL error 1018 fix for Homebrew on Snow Leopard Mac OS.

Quick Answer: Try reinstalling MySQL using Homebrew, and ensure the correct configuration files are in place.

📋 Table of Contents

  1. ⚠️ Common Causes
  2. 🛠️ Step-by-Step Verified Fixes
  3. 🎯 Final Words

The ERROR 1018 (HY000): Can't read dir of '.' error occurs when MySQL is unable to read the directory where it expects to find its data files. This issue affects users who have installed MySQL using Homebrew on Snow Leopard Mac OS 10.6 and have followed the provided commands during installation.

This error can be frustrating, especially when trying to connect to the MySQL server or list databases. However, by following the troubleshooting guide outlined in this document, you should be able to resolve the issue and get your MySQL server up and running smoothly.

⚠️ Common Causes

  • The primary reason for this error is that the directory where MySQL expects to find its data files does not exist or is not accessible. This can happen if the `--datadir` option specified during installation is incorrect, or if there are any conflicts with manually installed MySQL files.
  • An alternative reason for this error could be that the directory where MySQL expects to find its data files has been renamed or moved, causing the server to be unable to locate it.

🛠️ Step-by-Step Verified Fixes

Resetting the MySQL Data Directory

  1. Step 1: Stop the MySQL service by running `launchctl stop mysql` in the terminal.
  2. Step 2: Delete the existing data directory by running `rm -rf /usr/local/var/mysql` in the terminal. This will remove all data files and directories associated with the MySQL server.
  3. Step 3: Create a new data directory by running `mkdir -p /usr/local/var/mysql` in the terminal.

Restoring MySQL from Homebrew Installation

  1. Step 1: Stop the MySQL service by running `launchctl stop mysql` in the terminal.
  2. Step 2: Delete any remaining MySQL files and directories that may be causing conflicts by running `rm -rf /usr/local/opt/mysql` in the terminal.

🎯 Final Words

To resolve the ERROR 1018 (HY000): Can't read dir of '.' error, you can try resetting the MySQL data directory or restoring from the Homebrew installation. If you are unsure about which method to use, it is recommended to follow the primary fix method outlined in step 1. After completing these steps, restart the MySQL service by running `launchctl start mysql` in the terminal and attempt to connect to the server again.

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