Managing WordPress with FTP

FTP gives you direct file access to your WordPress installation — essential when the WordPress admin is inaccessible or you need to make bulk file changes.

WordPress File Structure

On your server, your WordPress files are typically in /public_html (or /public_html/subdirectory):

• wp-admin/ — admin dashboard files (don't edit)
• wp-content/ — your themes, plugins, and uploads
• wp-includes/ — core WordPress files (don't edit)
• wp-config.php — database credentials and site configuration
• .htaccess — URL rewriting rules

Installing a Theme or Plugin via FTP

1. Download the theme/plugin .zip file to your computer
2. Extract it to a folder
3. Connect via FTP to your site
4. Navigate to /public_html/wp-content/themes/ (for themes) or /plugins/ (for plugins)
5. Drag the extracted folder to upload it
6. Activate it from the WordPress admin

Fixing a Broken WordPress Site via FTP

If a plugin caused a white screen or 500 error:

1. Connect via FTP
2. Navigate to /wp-content/plugins/
3. Rename the problematic plugin's folder (e.g., add "-disabled" to the name)
4. Try accessing your site again

Editing wp-config.php

Download the file, edit the database credentials or add WP_DEBUG settings, and re-upload.

Tips

• Always back up files before editing them via FTP
• Set file permissions: 644 for files, 755 for directories