Fix Login Failed SQL Server Error 18456 Quickly

Rate this post
Jessica Harris Query:-
“Every time I try to log into my SQL Server, I keep getting an error message that says: ‘Login failed for user. (Microsoft SQL Server Error 18456). I’m sure my username and password are correct. How can I fix this error and get access to my database again?”

If you are using Microsoft SQL Server, you might be facing the Login failed for user SQL Server Error 18456. Error 18456 is a common login failure issue in SQL Server that can happen for several reasons, like wrong settings, authentication problems, or permission issues. However, there are several ways to fix this. In this blog, we will discuss the manual method and a professional SQL Database Repair Tool. Each method offers you a quick, reliable, and hassle-free conversion with no data loss or minimal disruptions.

What Is Login Failed SQL Server Error 18456?

This error means that your login attempt to the SQL Server failed. It occurs, like: Login failed for user SQL Server Error 18456. (Microsoft SQL Server, Error: 18456)

It can happen for many reasons, wrong username, a wrong password, incorrect login settings, or even server issues.

Common Causes of SQL Login Failed Issue

Here are a few of the most common reasons for this error:

  • Wrong username or password.
  • The user account doesn’t exist in SQL Server.
  • The server only allows Windows Authentication.
  • User doesn’t have permission to access the database.
  • Also, when your SQL database is damaged or corrupted.

Fix Microsoft SQL Server Error 18456: How to Fix Manually

There are several manual methods available to fix this error. You can try each method for 100% accuracy:

Method 01: Double-Check Your Login Credentials

Make sure:

  1. The username is typed correctly.
  2. The password is accurate (no extra spaces or special character issues).
  3. Also, Caps Lock is turned off.

Sometimes, even a small typo causes the login to fail.

Method 02: Enable SQL Server Authentication Mode 

SQL Server supports two types of authentication:

  • Windows Authentication.
  • Mixed Mode (Windows + SQL Server Authentication).

How to Fix it:

  1. First, open SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS).
    Fix Login Failed SQL Server Error 18456 Quickly” in 2025
  2.  
  3. Then, right-click the server name > click Properties.
    Fix Login Failed SQL Server Error 18456 Quickly” in 2025
  4.  
  5. After that, go to the Security page.
    Fix Login Failed SQL Server Error 18456 Quickly
  6.  
  7. Select SQL Server and Windows Authentication mode.
    Fix Login Failed SQL Server Error 18456 Quickly
  8.  
  9. Lastly, click OK, then restart SQL Server.
    Fix Login Failed SQL Server Error 18456 Quickly” in 2025

Method 03: Check Login Is Disabled to Resolve SQL Server Error 18456

  1. In SSMS, go to Security and click Logins.
  2. After that, right-click on your login and choose Properties.
  3. Under the Status tab, ensure Login is enabled.
  4. In the end, click OK to apply the changes.

Method 04: Map User Permissions to the Database

Even if the login is correct, the user must have access to the specific database.

  1. Primarily, open SSMS and click Expand Security > Logins.
  2. Then, right-click your login and click Properties.
  3. Afterwards, go to User Mapping.
  4. Tick the checkbox of the database you want to access.
  5. Lastly, assign roles like db_datareader, db_owner, or as needed.

Troubleshoot SQL Server Error 18456 With a Professional Tool

Use a MigrateEmails SQL Database Repair Tool to fix this error when your SQL Server is severely corrupted. The tool quickly fixes corrupted or damaged SQL databases without any hassle. It repairs both MDF and NDF files with no data loss. It helps to repair complete data, including tables, triggers, queries, indices, and more. In addition, it can also preserve original formatting, structure, and metadata during the entire recovery. Along with that, it offers recovery Pending State in SQL Server Database error, and more.

Simple Steps to Recover Corrupted/Damaged SQL Database:

  1. Firstly, download the MigrateEmails SQL Database Recovery Tool.
    Fix Login Failed SQL Server Error 18456 Quickly
  2.  
  3. Now, click on Open to add a corrupted SQL database file.
    Fix Login Failed SQL Server Error 18456 Quickly
  4.  
  5. Then, choose Recovery Modes and other options. Click OK.
    Fix Login Failed SQL Server Error 18456 Quickly
  6.  
  7. After that, preview all the recovered SQL database files.
    Fix Login Failed SQL Server Error 18456 Quickly
  8.  
  9. Lastly, click Save and select your desired saving format.
    Fix Login Failed SQL Server Error 18456 Quickly

Read More: This tool helps you recover SQL data from a Dropped Table without Backups.

Conclusion

SQL Server Error 18456 can be a common problem when you are trying to log in to SQL Server. If login credentials, authentication settings, or user permissions are the issue, the manual methods above should help. If your SQL database is corrupted, fix it easily with a professional tool recommended by experts. It gives a quick recovery and allows you to regain full access to your SQL data without hassle. Moreover, a free (Demo) version of this utility is available to understand its working and features. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What does the “Login failed for user ‘<username>’ or ‘<domain><username>’ (Error 18456)” error mean in SQL Server?

Ans: This error means that SQL Server could not verify the login credentials for the user. It usually happens due to an incorrect username or password, a disabled login, a lack of permission to access the database, or a server authentication mode not being set correctly. The error may also occur if the SQL login does not exist or the SQL database is corrupted.

Q2. Which is the best tool to fix Microsoft SQL Server Error 18456?

Ans: If the login error is caused by a corrupted or damaged SQL database, the MigrateEmails SQL Database Repair Tool is a reliable solution. It helps recover all database objects from MDF and NDF files without data loss.

About The Author:

I am Kiran Sharma, a Technical Expert in Content writing. I have technical expertise in the field of Email Backup, Data Recovery, and Email Migration, and resolve technical queries related to Cloud Backup or Email Migration for individuals and businesses.

Related Post

Copyright © 2018 - 2025  |  MigrateEmails.com is an affiliate partner of DRS Softech.  |  All rights reserved.