When it comes to WordPress, installing plugins is critical to changing the use of WordPress for your website. Nevertheless, in some cases the WordPress will ask you the FTP credentials when you attempt to install or update a plugin. This can be very inconvenient, especially forcefully when one does not have the details of the required FTP. The good news is that you could possibly never even get to the FTP credential request at all. This tutorial is going to help you to understand how to install WordPress plugins without the use of FTP login details if you are a newbie.
Why does WordPress Need FTP login information?
But, let us discuss what actually requires the WordPress to demand FTP login details at the time of plugin installation or update. WordPress requires the ability to write files to your server at that location. In case, your hosting environment is not configured for direct file access then WordPress will request for FTP login details to carry out the implementation.
This typically happens due to:
- Different file permissions assigned with the server.
- This may be as a result of a missing or an improperly set WordPress configuration file commonly named wp-config.php.
Let’s turn to the solution part now.
Method 1: Modify the wp-config.php File
WordPress offers one of the simplest ways to install plugins without FTP credentials – adding a code line into the wp-config.php file.
How to Install WordPress Plugins Without FTP Credentials using modify wp-config.php
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Access Your WordPress Files
This can be done using file manager which is can be availed from your web host or through an FTP program like FileZilla.
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Locate the wp-config.php File
This file is always placed in the root of your WordPress installation directory most commonly this is in the public_html directory
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Edit the File
Open wp-config.php in a text editor and add the following line of code:
define('FS_METHOD', 'direct');This line instruct WordPress to use the direct file system access to installing and updating the plugins without involving FTP credentials.
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Save the Changes
After adding the code save the file and then try to install or update the plugin one more time. You should no longer see the request in the form of FTP credential.
Method 2: Check File Permissions
A second typical cause of the FTP prompt is uneven file permissions. WordPress should be allowed to write files and this can solve the problem of wp sounding its head.
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Access Your File Manager
Use the file manager provided by your hosting control panel or an FTP client.
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Set Correct Permissions
For folders, set the permission to 755.
For files, set the permission to 644. -
Apply Changes Recursively
When applying folder permissions, ensure they are applied recursively so that all subfolders inherit the same settings.
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Test Plugin Installation
After adjusting the permissions, try installing or updating the plugin to see if the issue is resolved.
Important Notes
- It also recommended always making a backup copy of your WordPress site each time you are planning to alter the wp-config.php file or change the file permissions.
- In case you have doubts regarding changes of permission or editing of some configuration files you have to address the hosting provider support service.
Conclusion
Now you know how to install WordPress plugins without FTP credentials if you don’t want to use FTP data in wp-config.php file or if you want to change the permissions on the files. This simple tweak can prove very handy indeed if you are constantly installing or updating plugins. By the following steps, those who are not familiar with web development will be able to manage plugin installations using WordPress without using FTP details. Happy Coding 🙂
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