How to use FTP to Upload Files to WordPress for Beginners?
So, do you want to learn how to upload the files to your WordPress site?
What is FTP?
FTP is short for File transfer protocol. It allows you to transfer files from your computer to your website hosting account.
FTP stands for the File Transfer Protocol which allows you to transfer the files from your local computer to your server that is your remote website WordPress blog. You can also use FTP to download the files from your WordPress site to your local computer.
But there is also an option to Add media in WordPress which allows you to upload media like images, videos, files, etc.
Then why you need FTP?
You don’t need FTP to upload files infact you can upload the files to your WordPress site on your own. You can also install new Plugins and theme directly through the WordPress admin panel. FTP is an excellent protocol for any webmaster.
But sometimes, you are not able to access your WordPress admin area due to an error. In that case, you need to log in your FTP to change the settings.
Using FTP to Upload WordPress Files
First, you need to install an FTP client on your PC. FTP client is a software which helps you to connect to your WordPress site and transfer files.
Following are the most popular FTP clients that you can download and install.
Connect FTP to your WordPress Site
To connect to a WordPress site using FTP, you need to have the FTP login credentials. Your Hosting Provider sent you the FTP login details via email at the time of signup for hosting account.
If you are not able to find the FTP login details, contact your hosting provider to get this.
1. Open FTP.
2. Go to File » Connect.
3. A pop-up window will appear. Now, Enter your site information.
4. Click on New Site and provides a website title.
5. In the next column, Enter your host. Your host is usually the domain name.
6. Enter your FTP username and password.
7. Click on Connect to Continue the process. FTP will save your WordPress site settings for the future logins.
8. FTP will now try to login to your website using the login credentials you have entered.
Security Tip: When you are using FTP protocol, credentials and file content are sent over the internet using plain text and, a hacker can interpret your login credentials and login to your website as an admin. So, In the Connection section, you should always select SFTP (also known as FTP-SSL and FTP Secure ) if your hosting provider supports this.
Once you are connected You’ll be able to see these sections. Remote Site and Local Site section. In the Remote Site Section, There is a list of folders and files of your WordPress site. While in the Local Site section, it displays the files and folders of your computer.
Using FTP to Upload the WordPress Files
If you want to upload a file from local machine to your server, just follow the steps:
1. Right-click on that file.
2. Choose Upload from the drop-down menu.
FTP will transfer your file to your WordPress site. Always upload a file to a specific location for proper functioning. You need to know where to upload a file to your WordPress Website.
For Example – If you need to manually upload a plugin, first download the plugin. Unzip the plugin and upload that plugin in /wp-content/plugins/ folder in the Remote site section.
Once uploaded the plugin, go to your WordPress dashboard and visit the plugin page to activate the uploaded plugin.
The same in the case of WordPress themes. If you need to upload a Pro theme to your site, First you have to download and unzip the theme folder. Then upload it to the /wp-content/themes/ folder on your site.
FTP is not only used for uploading files from your PC to your site but also allows you to download the files from your WordPress site to your computer.
To do this:
1. In the Remote Site section, Just right-click on the file or folder which you wants to download.
2. Click on the Download button.
I hope you liked this article!
