Use FTP to manage your WooCommerce site

FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is a method to transfer files between a client and a server over the internet or a local network. In the context of managing a WordPress site, such as those running WooCommerce, FTP allows you to upload, download, or modify files directly on your web server. 

This can be particularly useful for installing themes or plugins, making backups of your site, or troubleshooting issues by editing files directly. 

Use SFTP or FTPS if your hosting provider offers it. Both encrypt the connection; plain FTP sends your credentials and files without encryption. Ask your host for the supported protocol and connection details, and use a file-transfer app that supports it.

Note: This document is meant to serve as a helpful guide for advanced troubleshooting; however, the procedures described are beyond the scope of our support policy and we cannot provide direct assistance with implementing them. 

If you would like to seek assistance from a qualified WordPress/WooCommerce developer, we highly recommend Codeable or a Woo Agency Partner. 

Access your site’s files via FTP

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To access your site’s files via FTP, you’ll need to use an FTP client. 

Your hosting provider can give you the connection details and help you access your site’s files. 

One widely used FTP client is FileZilla, which is free and compatible with most operating systems. By entering your FTP credentials into FileZilla or a similar client, you can connect to your server and begin transferring files directly to and from your site.

Please reach out to your hosts if you need help with these steps.

Find your site’s files with FTP

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When you connect to your WordPress site using an FTP client like FileZilla, here’s how to locate your site’s files:

1. Connect to your server: Open your FTP client, enter your FTP credentials, and connect to your server.
2. Navigate to the root directory: The root directory might vary depending on your hosting service. Common names for this directory are public_html, www, htdocs, or your domain name.
3. Locate the WordPress files: Inside the root directory, look for the WordPress installation folder. If WordPress is installed in the root directory, you’ll see folders like wp-admin, wp-content, and wp-includes directly within.
   • wp-admin: Contains the WordPress admin files.
   • wp-content: Contains your themes, plugins, and uploads.
   • wp-includes: Includes essential WordPress files.

The wp-content folder contains themes, plugins, and uploaded media. A complete site backup also needs the database and other site files. See WordPress backup guidance.

File and folder permissions

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Each file and folder on your WordPress site has permissions that specify what the owner, a group, and everyone else can do with the file. For instance, you might see permissions written numerically as 755 or 644, which control how files and directories can be accessed and modified.

See file and folder permissions

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To see and understand file and folder permissions in your WordPress site, you’ll typically use an FTP client, such as FileZilla. Here’s how you can view and interpret these permissions:

Viewing permissions

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1. Connect to your FTP server: Open your FTP client and log in with your credentials.
2. Navigate to your WordPress files: Go to your root directory or the folder of your WordPress installation.
3. Check permissions: In FileZilla, the file list displays permissions for each file. Look at the columns; one will have the label “Permissions” or something similar. You’ll see entries like drwxr-xr-x or -rw-r--r--.

Common permission codes

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Permissions are displayed as a series of letters (drwxr-xr-x) or as a three-digit number. Each character or digit has a specific meaning:

• First character: Indicates if it is a directory (d) or a file (-).
• Next three characters (owner permissions): Shows what the owner of the file can do.
  • r: Read permission (can view the file’s contents).
  • w: Write permission (can modify the file).
  • x: Execute permission for a file; for a directory, it allows access to entries within that directory.
• Next three characters (group permissions): Shows what the user group can do, using the same r, w, x notation.
• Last three characters (others’ permissions): Indicates what all other users can do.

Numeric permission codes

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Permissions are typically three digits:

• 7 (rwx): Read, write, and execute
• 6 (rw-): Read and write
• 5 (r-x): Read and execute
• 4 (r--): Read only

Common settings for WordPress

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• Directories: 755 (drwxr-xr-x) — The owner can read, write, and execute. Others can only read and execute.
• Files: 644 (-rw-r--r--) — The owner can read and write. Others can only read.

File permissions control who can read, change, or execute files. Incorrect permissions can expose your site or prevent it from working. Ask your hosting provider if you are unsure which permissions to use.

Questions and support

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Do you still have questions and need assistance? 

• Get in touch with a Happiness Engineer via our Help Desk. We provide support for extensions developed by and/or sold on WooCommerce.com, and Jetpack/WordPress.com customers.
• If you are not a customer, we recommend finding help in the WooCommerce support forum or hiring a Woo Agency Partner. These are trusted agencies with a proven track record of building highly customized, scalable online stores. Learn more about Woo Agency Partners.