File permissions might not be the most exciting part of running a WordPress site, but they’re absolutely essential. They control who can access, modify, or execute files on your server—essentially dictating who has power over your site.
If you’ve never tinkered with file permissions before, don’t worry. It’s a straightforward process, but one that can have big consequences if misconfigured. Whether you’re troubleshooting errors, tightening security, or simply curious, understanding how file permissions work in WordPress will give you greater control over your website. Let’s break it down.
What Are File Permissions, and Why Do They Matter?
In simple terms, file permissions determine who can read, write, and execute files and directories. Since WordPress runs on a Unix-based system, these permissions follow a standard format:
- Read (r): The ability to open and view the contents of a file or list the contents of a directory.
- Write (w): Allows modification—editing, deleting, or creating files.
- Execute (x): Lets you run a file as a script or navigate into a directory.
Every file and folder on your server has a three-digit permission code that represents access levels for:
- The owner (you, the site administrator)
- Users in the same group
- The general public (everyone else)
Each permission type has a numerical value:
- Read = 4
- Write = 2
- Execute = 1
These values add up to determine permission levels. For example:
- 777 (Full access for everyone—not recommended!)
- 744 (Owner has full control, others can only read)
- 644 (Owner can read and write, others can only read)
- 444 (Read-only for all users)
Understanding these numbers is key to setting the right levels for different parts of your WordPress site.
Best Practices: Setting WordPress File Permissions
Getting file permissions right is a balancing act. Set them too loose, and you open yourself up to security risks. Too restrictive, and your site might not function properly. Here are the optimal settings for WordPress files and directories:
- WordPress Folders:
755(Full access for the owner, read/execute for others) - WordPress Files:
644(Read/write for the owner, read-only for others) - wp-config.php:
440(Read-only for the owner and group, no access for the public) - .htaccess:
444(Read-only for everyone to prevent unauthorized changes)
Most web hosts configure these automatically, but if you ever need to adjust them manually, follow the steps below.
How to Change WordPress File Permissions (In 3 Steps)
You’ll need an FTP client like FileZilla to modify file permissions. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Connect to Your Website via FTP
Open FileZilla and enter your FTP credentials (usually found in your hosting control panel). Once connected, locate your WordPress root directory—it’s typically named public_html, www, or something similar.
Step 2: Set Permissions for Directories
- Find the
wp-content,wp-admin, andwp-includesfolders. - Right-click on one of them and choose File Permissions.
- Enter 755 as the numeric value.
- Check Recurse into subdirectories and select Apply to directories only.
- Click OK.
This ensures that directories remain accessible but secure.
Step 3: Set Permissions for Files
- Select all files in the root directory (excluding
wp-config.phpand.htaccess). - Right-click and open File Permissions.
- Enter 644 as the numeric value.
- Select Recurse into subdirectories and choose Apply to files only.
- Click OK.
For extra security, manually set wp-config.php to 440 and .htaccess to 444.
Once done, double-check a few files to confirm the changes applied correctly. If your site behaves strangely afterward, recheck your permissions—misconfigurations can sometimes break functionality.
Final Thoughts
File permissions may seem like a small detail, but they play a crucial role in securing your WordPress site. A simple misstep—like setting 777 permissions—can leave your website vulnerable to hackers and malware. By following best practices and adjusting settings as needed, you can keep your site safe while ensuring everything runs smoothly.
If you’re unsure about making changes, consult your hosting provider. Many managed WordPress hosts optimize file permissions automatically, so you may not need to tweak them at all. Still, having this knowledge in your toolkit will help you troubleshoot issues and take control of your website’s security.
Need a quick refresher? Here’s a recap: ✔️ Connect to your site via FTP. ✔️ Set directories to 755. ✔️ Set files to 644. ✔️ Lock down wp-config.php (440) and .htaccess (444).
With these steps, you’ll have a secure, well-configured WordPress installation. Happy website managing! 🚀