Ultimate Guide On How To Install WordPress Using FTP

Installing WordPress is often seen as a straightforward task, thanks to its user-friendly nature and the availability of automated tools. However, for those looking to gain more control over their website, installing WordPress using FTP (File Transfer Protocol) offers a hands-on approach. This method is especially valuable for advanced users who want to manage files directly, troubleshoot issues, or upload customizations like Premium WordPress Themes with precision.

FTP not only simplifies file transfers but also provides unmatched flexibility in managing your website's structure and functionality. By following a systematic approach, you can easily set up WordPress, connect it to your hosting server, and establish a solid foundation for your website. Whether you’re a developer or an enthusiastic beginner, learning to install WordPress via FTP equips you with the skills to handle complex tasks and ensures you have complete control over your web environment.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process of installing WordPress using FTP. From understanding what FTP is and its role in web development to setting up tools like FileZilla and configuring your database, we’ll cover everything you need to know to master this method. Let’s get started and unlock the full potential of your WordPress site!

What is FTP

File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is a standard network protocol used to transfer files between a client and a server over the Internet or a local network. It provides a straightforward method for uploading, downloading, and managing files on remote servers, making it an essential tool in fields like web development, system administration, and data sharing.

FTP works on a client-server model, where the client initiates the connection to the server to perform file operations. The protocol uses two separate channels for communication: one for commands and another for transferring data. This separation ensures efficient and reliable file transfers.

Originally introduced in the 1970s, FTP remains relevant today, albeit with more secure versions like FTPS (FTP Secure) and SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol) addressing its early security limitations. With the help of FTP clients software like FileZilla, Cyberduck, or WinSCP users can easily interact with remote servers, making FTP a fundamental tool for managing and deploying files across the web.

Despite the rise of modern alternatives such as cloud storage solutions and version control systems, FTP continues to play a crucial role in tasks requiring direct server access, particularly in web hosting and development environments.

Benefits of Installing WordPress Using FTP

• Greater Control Over Installation: FTP allows manual uploading and configuration of WordPress files, providing more control over the process. It’s useful for customizing file structures and ensuring proper permissions, which might be restricted in automated installers.
• Useful for Troubleshooting: FTP is ideal when automatic installation tools fail. It enables you to bypass server restrictions, manually fix issues, and continue the installation process without being dependent on hosting tools or scripts.
• Compatible with All Hosting Types: Unlike one-click installers that depend on specific hosting environments, FTP works with most popular WordPress hosting that offers FTP access, making it a universal solution for WordPress installation.
• Custom Directory Placement: FTP lets you decide where WordPress files are stored, such as installing in a subdirectory (example.com/blog) or alongside other applications, giving you more flexibility in organizing your server.
• No Dependency on Hosting Tools: FTP installation doesn’t rely on hosting control panels like cPanel or Plesk. This independence is valuable for users on minimal hosting plans or non-standard server configurations.
• Learning Opportunity: Installing via FTP helps users understand server file structures, database configurations, and file permissions. This knowledge is useful for troubleshooting and handling advanced WordPress management tasks in the future.
• Flexibility for Custom Installations: You can customize your WordPress setup during FTP installation, such as adding themes, plugins, or configuring the wp-config.php file to meet specific database and security requirements.
• Secure File Transfer: Using SFTP ensures encrypted file transfers, reducing the risk of data interception during installation. This makes FTP installation a secure choice compared to some automated web-based methods.
• Works for Offline Setup: FTP facilitates moving WordPress from a local development environment (e.g., XAMPP or MAMP) to a live server, making it essential for developers migrating their work.

Step-by-Step Guide to Install WordPress Using FTP

Step 1: Back Up Your Website Files

Before making any changes to your website, it’s essential to back up your files and database. This step is crucial because FTP involves direct file modifications, which can result in accidental errors or file corruption. By having a complete backup, you ensure that your website can be restored to its original state if something goes wrong. Backups are essential because FTP directly modifies server files, increasing the likelihood of accidental errors or file corruption during the process. A backup acts as a safety net, allowing you to restore your website to its original state if anything goes wrong. This ensures that your data, design, and configurations remain intact, minimizing downtime and potential losses.

How to Back Up Files:

1. Use best WordPress backup plugins like UpdraftPlus, BackupBuddy, or VaultPress for an easy solution.

2. Ensure your backup includes:

• Core WordPress files (e.g., PHP files).
• Installed themes and plugins.
• Media uploads like images and videos.
• The database containing your website's content and settings.

3. Save the backup securely on your local computer or a cloud service like Google Drive or Dropbox.

Step 2: Download and Install FileZilla

FileZilla is a widely-used FTP client that simplifies the process of transferring files between your computer and the server. It’s user-friendly, free, and available for multiple operating systems, making it a great choice for beginners.

Steps to Download and Install FileZilla:

1. Go to the official FileZilla website.
2. Download the FileZilla Client suitable for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
3. Open the downloaded installer and follow the on-screen instructions to install FileZilla on your computer.

Understanding FileZilla's interface is key to efficiently managing your WordPress installation. The Local Site Panel displays files and directories stored on your computer, while the Remote Site Panel shows the files and directories on your hosting server after establishing a connection. FileZilla’s drag-and-drop functionality makes it simple to transfer files between these panels, streamlining the process of uploading and organizing your website files.

Step 3: Connect to the Hosting Server Using FTP

To transfer files, you need to connect FileZilla to your hosting server using FTP credentials. These details are usually provided by your hosting provider and include the host address (often your domain or server IP), username, password, and port number. The default port is 21 for FTP or 22 for SFTP if you prefer a secure connection.

How to Obtain FTP Credentials:

1. Host Address: Typically your domain name or server IP.
2. Username and Password: Provided by website hosting WordPress provider (check your welcome email or hosting account dashboard).
3. Port Number: Default is 21 for FTP and 22 for SFTP (secure).

Steps to Connect FileZilla to Your Server:

1. Open FileZilla and enter your credentials in the Quickconnect bar.
2. Click Quickconnect to establish a connection.
3. For SFTP, go to Site Manager, input your credentials, and select SFTP as the protocol.
4. Once connected, your server files will appear in the Remote Site Panel.

Step 4: Upload WordPress Files

With your FTP connection established, it’s time to upload WordPress files to your hosting server. Start by downloading the latest WordPress package from the official WordPress website. Extract the ZIP file on your computer to get the WordPress folder.

Steps to Upload WordPress Files:

1. Download the latest WordPress package from the official WordPress website.
2. Extract the ZIP file to your computer to get the WordPress folder.

In FileZilla:

1. Navigate to the extracted WordPress folder in the Local Site Panel.
2. Drag and drop the files to the correct directory on your server:
3. For your main website: /public_html/
4. For a subdomain: /public_html/foldername/
5. Ensure all files are uploaded, including wp-admin, wp-content, and wp-includes.

Step 5: Create a Database via cPanel

WordPress requires a MySQL database to store all your website’s data, such as content, user accounts, and settings. To create one, log in to your hosting control panel (cPanel) and navigate to the MySQL Databases section.

Steps to Create a Database:

1. Log in to your hosting control panel (cPanel).
2. Navigate to the MySQL Databases section.
3. Create a new database: Provide a unique name for your database.
4. Add a new user: Assign a secure username and password.
5. Link the user to the database: Assign all privileges to the user for the database.
6. Save the database name, username, and password for the next step.

Step 6: Configure WordPress

After uploading files and creating a database, it’s time to configure WordPress. Open your web browser and visit the directory where WordPress was uploaded (e.g., yourdomain.com). Follow the setup wizard to create the configuration file.

Steps to Configure WordPress:

1. Open a browser and go to the directory where you uploaded WordPress (e.g., yourdomain.com).
2. Follow the on-screen prompts to create the configuration file.
3. Enter the database details: Database name, Username, Password, Database host (usually localhost).
4. Click Submit and then Run the Install to finalize the setup.

Step 7: Finalize Installation

The final step involves completing the WordPress installation by entering key site details. You’ll be prompted to provide a site title, admin username, a secure password, and an email address for site notifications. If you are new to WordPress and want to make a website then we have made a tutorial guide on How to make a website with WordPress.

Steps to Finalize Installation:

• Provide the following information:
  • Site Title: The name of your website.
  • Admin Username: The username you’ll use to log in.
  • Password: Create a strong password for security.
  • Admin Email: This email will receive WordPress notifications.
• Click Install WordPress to finish the setup.
• Log in to your WordPress dashboard at yourdomain.com/wp-admin to start customizing your site.

Conclusion

Installing WordPress using FTP is an essential skill for web developers and site administrators seeking greater control over their websites. While one-click installations are convenient, FTP offers flexibility and the ability to customize your website to fit specific requirements. Through this method, you can directly manage WordPress files, upload Premium WordPress Themes, and troubleshoot issues efficiently, making it an indispensable tool for advanced users.

The process involves several critical steps: preparing your tools, connecting to the server via FTP, uploading WordPress files, creating a database, and configuring the platform. By meticulously following these steps, you ensure a seamless installation while gaining valuable hands-on experience with your website’s backend. Tools like FileZilla make file transfers simple, while cPanel streamlines database creation.

Backing up your site and ensuring the security of your credentials are key precautions to avoid data loss or unauthorized access. With FTP, you also eliminate common file upload restrictions, enabling more complex configurations.

Whether you're building a new site, uploading Premium WordPress Themes, or migrating an existing one, understanding the FTP installation process equips you to manage your WordPress environment with confidence. Embrace this method to unlock more potential in your web development journey and create a robust, secure, and high-performing website.