diff --git a/salt/mysql/etc/my.cnf b/salt/mysql/etc/my.cnf
index e37f690dc..243cc4c51 100644
--- a/salt/mysql/etc/my.cnf
+++ b/salt/mysql/etc/my.cnf
@@ -29,3 +29,6 @@ symbolic-links=0
 
 log-error=/var/log/mysql/mysqld.log
 pid-file=/var/run/mysqld/mysqld.pid
+
+# Switch back to the native password module so that playbook can connect
+default_authentication_plugin=mysql_native_password
\ No newline at end of file