Why is this happening?

Your host isn't allowing external connections to the mysql Database, that '%' in



That '%' shows that it's trying to read any random ip for one, which I'm positive won't work properly, it needs something to work with, as well as you need to ensure it allowed external connections.

 

How can I allow external connections with MySQL with php myadmin?

 

Ask your support team for help, they should be able to do it. Php mysql, can't do that if I'm correct.

 

You cannot use % for a host, where is your host located? Is it remote: go to your cpanel(or whatever you got) and find the database section, it should mention something about remote connections.
If you have a local database on your server, use 127.0.0.1 rather than localhost.

Be aware that most web hosting companies only allow remote connections for administrative purposes and NOT for remote hosting.

 

In rare cases, % has worked, but I mean like once in a blue moon, some hosts allow it as a wild-card that basically just becomes a back door for any ip at that point. As for the hosting company, if you're finding yourself having issue, I'd suggest requesting your server host to host one for you, most come with it for free, if you simply ask. If not, try a web-hosting company that'll allow it, I personally use hostgator.

 

% works in every case. It basically means everyone can access. I prefer that because I like doing database maintenance with navicat, which implies I have to access with my PC.

 

No it doesn't work in all cases. While yes it basically mean everyone can access it, some providers disable it because they don't want external access to their databases.

 

No it doesn't. While % can be used as a wildcard in your database remote access configuration, you can not use it in an external program(tmysql) that wants to connect to a valid database. tmysql needs a valid host, it needs an IP.

Tompkins already explained this.