How to Set File and Folder Permissions in cPanel

File permissions determine who can read, write to, or execute your files. Incorrect permissions are a common cause of website errors.

Correct Permissions

• Files: 644 (owner can read/write, everyone else can read)
• Folders: 755 (owner can read/write/execute, everyone else can read/execute)
• Config files with passwords: 600 (owner read/write only)
• Executable scripts: 755

Changing Permissions in File Manager

1. Log in to cPanel → File Manager
2. Right-click the file or folder → Change Permissions
3. Check the appropriate boxes or enter the octal number (e.g., 644)
4. For folders, check Recurse into subdirectories to apply to all contents

Reading the Permission Number

The three digits represent Owner, Group, and World:

• 4 = Read
• 2 = Write
• 1 = Execute
• 7 = Read + Write + Execute (4+2+1)
• 6 = Read + Write (4+2)
• 5 = Read + Execute (4+1)

Common Errors Fixed by Permissions

• 403 Forbidden — folder permissions too restrictive (set to 755)
• 500 Internal Server Error — script permissions wrong (set to 755)
• WordPress upload errors — /wp-content/uploads needs 755