> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.savemydb.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Adding a Database

> Connect a database to an agent.

<Note>
  An agent must be installed and online before you can add a database connection for it. See [Downloading the Agent](/agents/downloading-the-agent) if you haven't installed one yet.
</Note>

## Add a connection

From the [Database Servers page](https://app.savemydb.com/db-connections), click **Add Server** and fill in:

| Field               | Description                                                                                                                      |
| ------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Connection name     | A label to identify this database in your dashboard.                                                                             |
| Database type       | PostgreSQL, MySQL, MongoDB, or SQL Server.                                                                                       |
| Host                | The hostname or IP address the agent should connect to — usually `localhost` if the database is on the same server as the agent. |
| Port                | Defaults to the standard port for the selected database type.                                                                    |
| Database name       | The specific database to back up.                                                                                                |
| Username / Password | Credentials with read access to the database.                                                                                    |
| Agent               | Which installed agent should handle this connection.                                                                             |

<Tip>
  Credentials are encrypted before being sent and are never displayed in plain text again after saving.
</Tip>

## Required database permissions

The credentials you provide need enough access to read and export the database. The specific permissions depend on your database type:

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="PostgreSQL">
    The user needs `CONNECT` on the database and `SELECT` on all tables you want backed up. A read-only role is sufficient.
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="MySQL">
    The user needs `SELECT`, `LOCK TABLES`, and `SHOW VIEW` privileges on the target database.
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="MongoDB">
    The user needs the built-in `read` role on the target database.
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="SQL Server">
    The user needs `db_backupoperator` or equivalent permissions on the target database.
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## Testing the connection

After adding a database, it's worth running a job manually once to confirm everything is configured correctly. See [Running a Job Manually](/jobs/running-a-job-manually).