FTP (File Transfer Protocol) access gives us direct access to the “raw data” of your WordPress site. This is particularly important if something is not working or we need more control.

Here are a few typical situations in which FTP access is helpful:

• If the website is blocked:
  Sometimes an error during an update or during development means that the website is no longer accessible – due to a problem with a plugin, for example. With FTP, we can adjust or remove such files and get the site up and running again, even if we don’t have access to the WordPress admin area.

• Manual uploading of files:
  If uploading themes, plugins or updates via the WordPress dashboard does not work, we can simply upload them via FTP.

• Fixing errors and adjusting settings:
  We can view and adjust central files such as wp-config.php, .htaccess or user.ini via FTP. This often helps us to analyze and fix problems.

• Backups and restoration:
  FTP makes it easy to download and back up website files. If something goes wrong, we can upload them again just as quickly. This is often more direct and uncomplicated than using a backup plugin.

If we had to call in an external agency or the web hosting provider to manage the web server for each of these measures (possibly via your coordination as an intermediate step), this would often unnecessarily delay problem solutions and could result in additional costs. With direct FTP access, we can solve many problems faster and more efficiently.