Software⏱️ 3 min read📅 2026-06-11

How to Fix: mysql-workbench fails to connect with an error: Service org.freedesktop.secrets not provided

mysql-workbench connection error on kubuntu 18.04.3 LTS

Quick Answer: Install the libsecret1 package to resolve the issue.

The 'org.freedesktop.secrets not provided' error occurs when MySQL Workbench is unable to connect to a MySQL server due to a missing dependency on the 'org.freedesktop.secrets' service. This issue affects users running MySQL Workbench on Ubuntu-based systems, including Kubuntu 18.04.3 LTS.

This error can be frustrating as it prevents users from accessing their saved MySQL connections and performing database operations. However, by following the steps outlined in this guide, you should be able to resolve the issue and regain access to your MySQL server.

🛑 Root Causes of the Error

  • The 'org.freedesktop.secrets' service is required for secure authentication and authorization in MySQL Workbench. When this service is not provided, the application cannot establish a secure connection with the MySQL server, resulting in the error message.
  • Another possible reason for this error is that the 'org.freedesktop.secrets' service is not installed or configured correctly on the system.

🔧 Proven Troubleshooting Steps

Install and configure the 'org.freedesktop.secrets' service

  1. Step 1: Step 1: Update the package list to ensure you have access to the latest software packages.
  2. Step 2: sudo apt update && sudo apt install libsecret-1-dev libsecret-client1-dev
  3. Step 3: Step 2: Install the 'org.freedesktop.secrets' service using the 'libsecret' package.
  4. Step 4: sudo apt install libsecret-service1 libsecret-common
  5. Step 5: Step 3: Configure the 'org.freedesktop.secrets' service to start automatically on boot.
  6. Step 6: sudo systemctl enable org.freedesktop.secrets.service

Alternative fix using environment variables

  1. Step 1: Step 1: Set the 'DESKTOP_SECRET_SERVICE_PATH' environment variable to point to the location of the 'org.freedesktop.secrets' service.
  2. Step 2: export DESKTOP_SECRET_SERVICE_PATH=/usr/lib/secret-service/
  3. Step 3: Step 2: Restart MySQL Workbench and try to establish a connection to your MySQL server.

🎯 Final Words

To resolve the 'org.freedesktop.secrets not provided' error in MySQL Workbench, follow one of the methods outlined above. If you are unable to resolve the issue using these steps, please contact the MySQL support team for further assistance.

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