F
FTP
Definition
FTP is a way to move files directly between your computer and your web server, outside of the WordPress dashboard.
In plain English
The WordPress admin is the front door. FTP — and its secure siblings SFTP and SSH — is the service entrance. You connect with a client like FileZilla, see the raw folders of your site, and drag files in or out.
It's the tool you reach for when the dashboard itself is the thing that's broken.
Why it matters
One day a plugin update will white-screen your site and lock you out of wp-admin. FTP is how you get back in: rename the plugin folder, the site returns, and you diagnose from safety.
Knowing FTP turns “my site is down and I'm helpless” into a five-minute fix.
How it works
- Get credentials from your hostHost, username, password, port. Prefer SFTP over plain FTP.
- Connect with a clientFileZilla, Cyberduck, or straight from your code editor.
- Find wp-contentYour themes, plugins and uploads all live in there.
- Change one thing at a timeAnd keep a local copy of anything you overwrite.
Plain FTP sends your password in the clear
Anyone watching the network can read it. If your host offers SFTP or SSH — and almost every host does — use that and never look back.
Watch it in a real build
Related terms
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