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How to Connect MariaDB to Excel – Stream Live Database Data

6 min read

CONNECTOR GUIDE

MariaDB Microsoft Excel

MariaDB MariaDB
Query Streams Query Streams
Microsoft Excel Microsoft Excel
No VPN Required
Live Data
MySQL Fork

Query Streams enables you to connect MariaDB databases directly to Excel, streaming live data without VPNs, firewall changes, or complex ODBC configuration. Sign up for free at QueryStreams.com and start pulling live MariaDB data into your spreadsheets in minutes.

This guide shows you how to establish a secure, real-time connection between your MariaDB database and Excel. MariaDB, a MySQL fork built for high performance and compatibility, works seamlessly with Query Streams for building live dashboards, automating reporting, and securely sharing database queries with teams worldwide.

MySQL Compatible

MariaDB fork with full MySQL syntax compatibility

Real-Time SQL

Execute MariaDB queries and get fresh data instantly

Global Access

Share queries worldwide without exposing credentials

High Performance

Built for speed with advanced query optimization

What You’ll Accomplish

By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to:

  • Connect Excel to MariaDB – On-premise or cloud-hosted databases
  • Execute MariaDB queries in real-time from Excel
  • Build live dashboards and reports with auto-refreshing data
  • Share secure database access with colleagues globally

Prerequisites

1

Query Streams Account

Create a free account to get started with MariaDB integration.

Create Free Account →
2

Query Streams Agent Installed

Install the agent on your network with access to your MariaDB instance.

Install the Query Streams Agent →
3

MariaDB Database Access

Database username and password with appropriate read permissions.

MariaDB Access Control →
MariaDB Compatibility: Query Streams works with MariaDB 10.x and later. All MySQL syntax is fully supported, plus MariaDB-specific features.

Step 1: Access the Query Streams Agent Interface

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With your agent installed and running, configure your MariaDB connection through the local agent interface.

  1. Open your web browser and navigate to the agent interface: https://localhost:1823
  2. Navigate to Data Connections: Click Data Sources in the sidebar, then select Connections
  3. Add a new connection: Click the Add Connection button

Step 2: Select MariaDB as Your Connection Type

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  1. Choose MariaDB: Click on the MariaDB tile (it will highlight with a green border when selected)
  2. Alternative – Use search: Type “MariaDB” in the search bar to quickly find it
  3. Proceed to next step: Once selected, click Next

Step 3: Configure Your MariaDB Connection Details

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You’re now on Step 2: Configure Connection where you’ll enter your MariaDB credentials.

Required Connection Details:

  1. Connection Name (required) – A friendly name like “Production MariaDB” or “Development DB”
  2. Server (required) – Hostname or IP address. Examples: 192.168.1.100, mariadb.example.com, localhost
  3. Port (required) – Default is 3306. Change only if using a custom port.
  4. Database (required) – Specific database name (e.g., employees, inventory)
  5. Username (required) – MariaDB database user
  6. Password (required) – Database password (click eye icon to toggle visibility)
  7. Connection Timeout – Default 30 seconds. Increase for slower networks.

Once all fields are completed, click Next to proceed.

Performance Tip: Install the Query Streams agent on the same network as your MariaDB database for optimal latency and query execution speed.

Step 4: Select Your Data Realm

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A Data Realm determines your query processing capacity – how much data can flow through your queries, measured in MB/GB based on your subscription.

  1. Review available realms: You’ll see options based on your subscription tier
  2. Select realm: Choose “Default Data Realm” for most use cases
  3. Click Next to test the connection

Step 5: Test Your Database Connection

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Query Streams will verify your MariaDB is accessible with the credentials provided.

  1. Automatic testing: The agent attempts to connect to your MariaDB
  2. Review results: Success shows server version, database name, and connection details
  3. Click Next if successful
Troubleshooting: If connection fails, verify server address, port 3306 is accessible from the agent, and credentials are correct. Check MariaDB allows remote connections.

Step 6: Finish Setup

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  1. Review configuration: Verify all settings are correct
  2. Click Finish to save your MariaDB connection

Your MariaDB connection is now ready! Next, you’ll install the Excel add-in to start querying.

Step 7: Install Add-In and Run Your First Query

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Install the Query Streams add-in from Microsoft AppSource:

After installation, you can access the add-in from the Home ribbon tab in Excel.

  1. Click “Stream a Query” to begin creating a new query
  2. Select your MariaDB connection from the Data Source dropdown
  3. Choose the database from the Database dropdown
  4. Write your MariaDB query in the editor
Example MariaDB Query SQL
SELECT 
    customer_id,
    first_name,
    last_name,
    email,
    country
FROM customers
WHERE country = 'USA'
ORDER BY last_name
LIMIT 100;
  1. Configure destination: Choose “Create a new tab” for your first query
  2. Click the Play button to execute the query
Excel Versions Supported: Query Streams works with Excel for Microsoft 365 (Windows/Mac), Excel Online (web browser), and Excel 2016/2019 on Windows.

Success!

You’ve connected MariaDB to Excel! Your data streams instantly into a new worksheet. Re-run anytime to refresh with the latest data from your database.

Next Steps: Save and Share Queries

Use the Query Streams web portal to build, save, and manage your MariaDB queries:

  • Save queries: Store frequently used SQL for easy reuse
  • Add parameters: Create dynamic filters users can adjust without seeing SQL
  • Share globally: Let colleagues run queries from anywhere in the world
  • Access from add-in: Saved queries appear in the “Saved Queries” menu

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Query Streams better than Excel’s built-in Power Query? +

Query Streams complements Power Query with key advantages: no ODBC driver setup required, works across Windows/Mac/Web, supports secure sharing without credentials, and enables real-time data streaming for remote MariaDB databases without VPN access.

🔒 Is my MariaDB data secure? +

Yes. Database credentials never leave your network – they stay within the Query Streams agent. Data is encrypted in transit, and the agent only makes outbound connections (no firewall changes or VPNs required).

👥 Can I share queries with external users? +

Yes! Share saved queries with external users who can run them from anywhere – they’ll get live data without ever seeing your SQL code or database credentials.

🚀 How does this compare to ODBC connections? +

Unlike ODBC, Query Streams requires no driver installation on user machines, no VPN configuration, and enables secure sharing where credentials stay protected. It works globally without network restrictions.

Does Query Streams work with MariaDB Galera Cluster? +

Yes. Query Streams works with MariaDB Galera Cluster and other MariaDB configurations. Simply connect to any node in your cluster.

💻 Does Query Streams work with Excel for Mac? +

Yes. Query Streams works with Excel for Microsoft 365 on macOS. The Excel add-in supports all major platforms including Windows, Mac, and Excel Online in the browser.

Updated on June 3, 2026

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