WordPress FTP 101: Everything A Website Owner Should Know

Ever hit a wall with the WordPress dashboard? It’s fantastic for writing posts and managing pages, but it can’t help you with the heavy lifting.

We’re talking about tasks like editing your wp-config file, changing file permissions to harden security, or troubleshooting common WordPress errors. For that kind of direct control, you have to go straight to your site’s files, and that’s where WordPress FTP comes in.

It’s your direct line to the server. Don’t worry if this is new territory for you; our whole goal with this guide is to break it down simply and make sure you have everything you need to get started.

TL;DR: FTP gives you direct access to your WordPress files for management and troubleshooting. But since you’re dealing with core files directly, it’s easy to make a mistake. To be safe, always backup your site with a plugin like BlogVault before you touch anything.

What is FTP?

At its core, FTP gives you direct access to your website’s files. You can manage everything from your desktop, which is a lifesaver for two big reasons:

It’s how developers get a site back online when the regular login is completely unreachable.

To make this connection, you need a program called an FTP client. Our go-to has always been FileZilla; it’s a workhorse that’s never let us down. Alternatively you can use an FTP plugin.

💡 Note: We always recommend using a dedicated FTP client instead of an plugin. An FTP client is an application on your computer, so it works even when your website is completely down. A plugin can’t help you if it’s part of the problem.

How FTP is used with WordPress

You know what FTP is. But what can you really do with it? Here are a few more practical ways FTP can help:

Your FTP checklist

Before you connect, make sure you have these five things ready to go.

An FTP client. First, you’ll need a free application to connect your computer to your server. As mentioned earlier, we’ve relied on FileZilla for years, but Cyberduck is also a fantastic and user-friendly option.

Your FTP credentials. Next, you will need your login details. This includes the host (your server’s address), a username, and a password, all of which you can find in your hosting control panel.

File permissions. You should know about file permissions and how to set them. Proper permissions ensure your files are secure and accessible only to those who need them.

WordPress file structure basics. Finally, it helps to know where you’re going. You don’t need to learn the whole file system, just remember this: the wp-content folder is where your themes, plugins, and uploads are stored. It’s where you’ll do almost all of your work.

Text editor. Having a text editor is useful for making quick file edits directly within the FTP client. Some FTP clients come with built-in text editors, making this task even easier.

Setting up FTP access for your WordPress site

Setting up FTP access for your WordPress site is simpler than you might think. We will be using FileZilla as an example:

1. Access site manager: Once you get your FTP credentials from your hosting provider. Open the FTP client and click on the File option. Next, navigate to the Site Manager. This is where you’ll input your credentials to connect to your website. Keeping these details secure is a fundamental part of WordPress security.

2. Establish connection: Once you’ve entered your credentials, choose your connection type. We recommend SFTP if your host supports it, as it provides a secure, encrypted transfer. This is an important security step. Click Connect to finish.

Note: Your FTP and SFTP may have different credentials. Make sure you confirm them with your hosting provider.

How to use WordPress FTP

☝🏼 Note: Before you even think clicking on any file or folder FTP client, make sure you backup your website. A small mistake could lead to your site malfunctioning, showing errors, or even crashing completely. 

Once connected, find the WordPress root directory. This is usually called public_html or www. In this directory, you’ll find all the core files and folders that power your WordPress site. Once you locate your specific file or folder, here’s how you can manage them via FTP:

Uploading files

Uploading files to your WordPress site is super easy. You can transfer large batches of files efficiently, saving time. Here’s how you can quickly add new themes, plugins, or other files: 

1. Extract your files: If the files are in a compressed format, like a .zip file, you will need to extract them. You can do this by either double-clicking the file or right-clicking and selecting the Extract option.

2. Upload the files: Drag and drop the extracted files from your computer to the correct directory on your WordPress site. This is the same method for manually installing a plugin when the automatic installer fails.

3. Verify in WordPress dashboard: Finally, log in to your WordPress dashboard to ensure that the newly uploaded files are recognized. Depending on what you uploaded, you may need to activate a theme, enable a plugin, or configure settings as needed.

Modifying files

Modifying files on your WordPress site can be necessary for various reasons, like adding features or fixing issues. Here’s how you can use FTP to edit your files: 

1. Navigate to the root directory: First, you need to navigate to the root directory of your WordPress installation. This is usually named public_html or www. Here, you’ll find all the core files that make your site run.

2. Locate and edit the file: Once you’re in the root directory, look for the file you wan to edit. Next, open the file in a text editor to make the necessary changes. You can use the built-in text editor if you’re using FileZilla. 

3. Save the modified file: After making your changes, save the file. If your FTP client does not have a built-in text editor, upload the modified file back to the root directory, ensuring you overwrite the existing file. This updates your site with the new settings or changes you’ve made.

Changing file permissions

Adjusting or repairing file or directory permissions is key for site security and functionality. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Right-click on the file or directory: In your FTP client, navigate to the file or directory for which you need to change permissions. Right-click on it to bring up the context menu.

2. Select File Permissions or Attributes: From the context menu, based on your client, select the option that says File Permissions or Attributes. This will open a dialog box where you can set the new permissions.

3. Set the numeric value or check boxes: In the permissions dialog, you can either set the numeric value directly or check the appropriate read, write, and execute boxes. For example, you could set:

These values control who can read, write, or execute the file. Once you’ve set the permissions, apply the changes.

Download files

Downloading files from your WordPress site can be useful for backups, local development, or troubleshooting. Here’s how to do it:

1. Navigate to the required directory: First, navigate to the directory in your WordPress installation where the files you want to download are located.

2. Select the files or directories: You can select multiple items if needed. Once you have selected the files or directories, right-click on them and choose the Download option from the context menu.

3. Choose a location on your local device: Next, select a folder on your computer to save the files. To keep things organized, you can save them in a specific folder, which makes them easier to access later.

Difference between FTP and SFTP

When it comes to transferring files to and from your website, you have two main options: FTP and SFTP. While they might sound similar, they have some key differences.

Feature	FTP	SFTP
Security	No encryption	Encrypted
Channels	Two separate channels	Single encrypted channel
Encryption	None	Yes
Firewall Setup	Complex	Simplified
Protocol	Standard file transfer	SSH-based file transfer
Support	Widely supported	Widely supported
Features	Basic transfer	More features (permissions, resume)
Use Case	Non-sensitive transfers	Sensitive and critical transfers

Troubleshooting WordPress FTP issues 

We know troubleshooting issues can be frustrating, but with some simple steps, you can solve these problems quickly. Here’s what and how you can do it:

Best practices for using FTP with WordPress

Using FTP with WordPress is powerful, but it comes with responsibilities. Here are some best practices to keep things secure and running smoothly:

Use SFTP: Use SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol) for encrypted and secure file transfers. 

Backup before making changes: Always backup your WordPress website files and database before making changes. If something goes wrong, you’ll have a safety net.

Change passwords regularly: Regularly change your FTP and SFTP passwords to enhance security. This makes it harder for hackers to gain access.

Use strong passwords: Use strong, unique passwords for your FTP accounts. Don’t use easy-to-guess passwords like “password123.”

Disconnect after use: Disconnect from the FTP client after completing your tasks to ensure the connection is closed securely. This prevents unauthorized access if you forget to close the program.

Be cautious with core files: Be cautious when modifying core WordPress files. A minor error can cause your entire site to break.

Parting thoughts

FTP is a powerful tool for WordPress file management, offering direct access to your site’s files. It allows you to troubleshoot, customize, and manage your site more effectively.

Prioritize security by using SFTP, strong passwords, and limiting access to trusted users. Always backup your site before making changes to safeguard against potential issues. 

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