Why do we ask for FTP access for maintenance purposes?
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 development can cause the website to become inaccessible – for example, due to a problem with a plug-in. With FTP, we can adjust or remove such files and get the site running again, even if we do not have access to the WordPress admin area. - Manual uploading of files:
If uploading themes, plug-ins or updates via the WordPress dashboard does not work, we can easily upload them via FTP. - Troubleshooting and adjusting settings:
Via FTP, we can view and adjust central files such as wp-config.php, .htaccess or user.ini. This often helps us to analyze and fix problems. - Backups and recovery:
With FTP, it is easy to download and back up website files. If something goes wrong, we can upload them just as quickly. This is often more direct and straightforward than using a backup plug-in.
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.
