Uploading Files via SFTP on Managed WordPress

For users working with large media files or looking to manually install custom themes and plugins, SFTP offers a secure and efficient way to interact directly with the WordPress file system. Unlike standard FTP, which sends data unencrypted, SFTP transmits both commands and content over an encrypted SSH connection — making it the preferred option for secure file transfers.

Managed WordPress plans at Particle Scrolls are equipped with SFTP access by default. Accessing it requires an FTP client like FileZilla and valid SFTP credentials. These credentials are generated within your site’s hosting dashboard, where you can view your server’s hostname and create new login details whenever needed. It’s worth noting that generating a new SFTP login will replace any previously issued credentials — a helpful security feature, especially if access needs to be rotated between team members or developers.

Once the credentials are configured in your FTP client and the port is set to 22 (standard for SFTP), you’ll be able to connect to your site’s file system. From there, uploading content is as easy as dragging files into the appropriate directories. This method is especially useful when working outside of the WordPress Admin interface — such as restoring a backup, adding static assets, or customizing themes locally before going live.

A quick tip: if your client flags the connection with an “unknown host key” warning, just double-check the hostname to ensure it’s accurate before proceeding. After that, you’re in — and the full file structure of your WordPress site becomes available to explore and manage.

File Editing Restrictions in Managed WordPress

For enhanced security, Managed WordPress hosting imposes restrictions on which files can be edited directly. This helps prevent common attacks and defacements. Editable files include:

• Files inside the /wp-content directory

• wp-config.php

• .htaccess

• favicon.ico

• Any files or directories you upload yourself, including .user.ini

Using a PHP Initialization File

You can modify PHP behavior on your hosting plan using a .user.ini file. The filename and location vary depending on the hosting type:

Note: Only settings with PHP_INI_PERDIR or PHP_INI_USER modes can be changed via .user.ini. To verify applied changes, create and check a phpinfo file.

Additional Resources

• What is a .user.ini file?
• See the PHP documentation for more info on PHP files.
• To see changes you made to the .user.ini file, check the PHP settings with a phpinfo file.

This structured understanding of FTP and SFTP functionality, along with the associated hosting-specific guidelines, ensures more secure and efficient file management across different Particle Scrolls hosting plans.