How to Connect a WordPress Website Using an FTP Client?

Introduction -H2

Sometimes, during installing plugins or custom themes, people face issues of WordPress website breakdown. This happens due to the WordPress dashboard not accepting the new file. As a result, you get a white screen with no options to solve the problem. 

In this situation, you need direct access to your website server file, and this is possible only with the FTP client. The File Transfer Protocol will allow you to connect to your web server and manage files as you do on a computer. 

You can easily uninstall plugins, replace corrupted files, or change configuration with the help of FTP. For Mac users, using an FTP Client for Mac like Commander One makes this WordPress connection and management process easy. 

In this guide, we will explore how to connect a WordPress website using an FTP client, its credentials, and more. So keep reading!

What is FTP, and Why Would You Use It for WordPress? -H2

FTP is a standard network protocol that is used by many users to send files between a local computer and a remote server. You can also connect it to your website server to manage files directly.  So, instead of using the WordPress dashboard, you can access all files and data through the backend file structure.  

It completely bypasses the website admin interface. 

Many of you may be wondering why you would need it? Here are some most common situations where using  FTP becomes essential:

• Your access to the WordPress dashboard is restricted due to a plugin conflict or a broken theme.
• You want to upload a plugin or theme that exceeds the dashboard limit. 
• You want to manually edit a configuration file like wp-config.php.
• The main file has been corrupted or accidentally deleted.
• You want to manage backup and logs.

In short, FTP does not replace the actual WordPress dashboard. It only works as a second door, which helps you to access your website when the dashboard is not responding.

What You Need Before Connecting to Your WordPress Site? -H2

Before you can connect to your WordPress site via FTP, you’ll need a few key details. These credential details are provided by your web provider and are available in your hosting control panel. 

Here is a detail of the required FTP credentials:

• FTP hostname/server address (e.g., ftp.yoursite.com)
• Username
• Password
• Port (typically 21 for FTP)
• Access to the WordPress root directory

If you are unable to find these credentials, you should log in to your hosting control panel and find the section of “FTP Account” or “File Manager.”

How to Connect a WordPress Website Using Commander One?

Commander One is a dual-panel file manager that was designed for macOS. It supports FTP, SFTP, and FTPS connections to make file handling easy.

Follow this step-by-step guide to connect a WordPress website to Commander One:

Install Commander One

You should download Commander One from the Mac App Store or from its official website. Once downloaded, you should install it on your system.  

Open Connections Manager

Now, from the top menu, click on the Connections icon, or navigate to Tools > Connections Manager.  From here, you can manage remote server connections.

Choose FTP/SFTP and Enter Credentials

In the next step, you should select the FTP option. And enter your details, these details include: 

• Hostname
• Username
• Password
• Port

Now, click on the connect button. Also, give your connection a name, so you can access it easily.

Access Your WordPress Files

After the establishment of the connection, you will see two panels, one for local files and another for server files. You can navigate to the WordPress root directory via public_html and start managing your files.

Where do your WordPress Files Usually Live?

After connecting to the WordPress site via FTP, you will see the website’s file structure. You should understand these common WordPress directories to avoid mistakes and have quick access to files:

• public_html (or www)

It is the main root folder where your WordPress site is installed. This contains wp-config.php, wp-login.php, and the core WordPress folders.

• wp-content/themes/

This site contains all installed themes. You can manually upload themes here and install them on your website.

• wp-content/plugins/ 

This directory contains each plugin sub-folder. You can manually add or remove plugins by managing this folder.

• wp-content/uploads/ 

This section contains all media files that you upload on WordPress.

• wp-config.php 

It contains database connection settings and site configuration constants.

Most of your work will happen in the wp-content, like when you manage and upload files, themes, plugins, and media files.

Typical WordPress Tasks You Can Do Over FTP?

After connection, you can manage multiple tasks through FTP, which may be limited in the WordPress dashboard. These tasks are given below:

Manually Upload Themes or Plugins

When the themes or plugins are too large for the dashboard, you can upload them directly into wp-content/themes/ or wp-content/plugins/ using Commander One.

Replace Corrupted or Missing Files

You can also fix corrupted core or theme files. Or, you can download a fresh copy of WordPress from WordPress.org and use FTP to replace the affected file.

Disable a Broken Plugin or Theme

If the plugin is crashing on your website and you are unable to access the dashboard, you can manage it via an FTP client.

Edit Configuration Files

You can also download wp-config.php or .htaccess to your Mac, edit them locally using a text editor, and re-upload the updated file. 

Access Backups, Logs, or Media Files

FTP gives you full access to all files on your server. So, you can easily manage backups, logs and media files remotely.

Why Commander One Works Well for This Workflow on Mac?

Mac users have several FTP tools to use, but Commander One is unique. It is because it easily integrates FTP access in the file manager environment with full features. You will not need to switch between different apps, as you will get side-by-side windows of both the local and remote server. It will make file transfer as simple as dragging from one panel to the other.

Here is how it is suitable for a WordPress workflow:

• It has a dual-panel interface for easy file transfer.
• It supports FTP, SFTP, and FTPS servers. 
• It has your WordPress credentials saved, so you can access them with a single click.
• It also has a built-in file editor. You can open and edit simple files without downloading them
• In addition to FTP, Commander One also supports connections to different services, such as:
  • Amazon S3
  • Google Drive
  • Dropbox
  • OneDrive
  • WebDAV

Common FTP Connection Issues and Quick Fixes

FTP connections can run into issues, even if you manage them carefully. Here are some ways to fix different issues:

Incorrect Credentials

You should double-check the username and password in the hosting control panel. However, FTP credentials are separate from your WordPress admin login. Resetting the FTP password through cPanel is usually the fastest fix.

Wrong Host or port

You should ensure that you are using the correct FTP hostname. For the FTP connection, your port will be 21. 

Permission Errors

If you can connect to files but are unable to edit or access them, then it will be due to a permission issue. You should contact your host and ensure that the right directory permission is allowed.

Connection Timeouts

If you face a connection timeout problem, then you should check the internet connection. Or you can also switch between Active and Passive mode in Commander One’s connection settings to avoid the issue.

Can’t Find WordPress Files

If you can’t find important files, then you should look inside the public_html or www folder. After that, also confirm the installation directory from the host.

Best Practices When Using FTP with WordPress

To avoid issues and keep your website safe from errors and issues, you should follow these practices:

• You should always make a backup of the file before editing.
• Do not edit core WordPress files unless it is necessary.
• Before uploading, you should double-click file paths.
• You should use strong login credentials and save them securely.
• After completing your task, disconnect the server.
• After making every change, test your website to ensure it is working properly.

FAQ

What should we do if the FTP does not connect?

You should check your credentials, host, and port setup. If the issue does not resolve, you should contact your hosting provider.

Where do I find my WordPress FTP credentials?

You can get credentials from the hosting control panel or request them from your hosting provider.

What is the difference between an FTP and an SFTP client?

FTP helps to transfer files without encryption, while SFTP sends files with the PTOE encryption system. Many hosts use both, but FTP is still more in use for basic file transfer.

Rajesh Kumar

I’m Rajesh Kumar, a DevOps, SRE, DevSecOps, Cloud, and Platform Engineering expert passionate about sharing practical knowledge, real-world experiences, and industry best practices. I have worked at Cotocus and regularly write about technology, travel, investing, health, product reviews, and digital marketing through my various platforms.

I publish technical articles at DevOps School, travel stories at Holiday Landmark, stock market insights at Stocks Mantra, health and fitness guidance at My Medic Plus, product reviews at TrueReviewNow, and SEO and digital marketing strategies at Wizbrand.