MySQL ERROR 1048 (23000): Column 'x' cannot be null
An INSERT/UPDATE put NULL into a NOT NULL column.
Exact message you may see
cannot be nullIntegrity constraint violation: 1048
Seen on:
MySQL
Meaning
Missing form fields, ORM attributes not set, or explicit NULL from the application.
Common causes
- Required field missing from input
- ORM model attribute not assigned
- Explicit NULL instead of omitting the column (default not applied)
⚡ Quick fix
- Validate required fields
- Provide a default in the schema
- Omit the column to use its DEFAULT
Detailed fix by platform
MySQL
ALTER TABLE users MODIFY status VARCHAR(20) NOT NULL DEFAULT 'active';
How to diagnose
- Column — Which one?
- Input — Why is it null?
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Last updated 9 Oct 2026