Question: How do I change file permissions? Print

Answer :

File permissions determine who can read, write, or execute files on your hosting account. Incorrect permissions may cause issues such as:

• “403 Forbidden” errors

• Plugins or themes not working

• Upload failures

• Security vulnerabilities

GHFS Hosting allows you to change permissions easily using Plesk File Manager or SSH.

1. Change File Permissions Using Plesk File Manager (Recommended)

Steps:

1. Log in to your Plesk panel

2. Go to Websites & Domains

3. Click File Manager

4. Navigate to the file or folder you want to modify

5. Click the three dots (⋮) next to the item

6. Select Change Permissions

7. Adjust permissions as needed

8. Click OK to save

2. Recommended File Permission Settings (WordPress and PHP Sites)

To keep your site secure and functional, GHFS Hosting recommends:

Files:

Folders:

wp-config.php:

Never set:

This is unsafe and allows anyone to write to your files.

3. Changing Permissions via SSH (Advanced Users)

If you have SSH access, you can change permissions with the chmod command.

Change file permissions:

Change folder permissions:

Change recursively (be very careful):

4. What Do Permission Numbers Mean?

Permissions are grouped into three parts:

1. Owner

2. Group

3. Public (Everyone else)

Example:

Breaks down into:

• 7 = owner can read/write/execute

• 5 = group can read/execute

• 5 = public can read/execute

5. Common Problems Caused by Wrong Permissions

Problem: “403 Forbidden”

Cause: folder permissions too restrictive
Fix: change to 755

Problem: WordPress cannot upload images

Cause: wrong permissions on /wp-content/uploads/
Fix: set folders to 755, files to 644

Problem: Plugin installation fails

Cause: insufficient write permissions
Fix: ensure WordPress directories follow 755/644 rules

Problem: Security vulnerabilities

Cause: permissions too open (example: 777)
Fix: never use 777; fix to 755/644

6. When Should I NOT Change Permissions?

Avoid changing permissions if:

• You are not sure what a folder is used for

• You think a plugin error is unrelated

• You see system directories (Plesk, Apache, nginx, system logs)

Changing permissions on the wrong folder may break your website.

7. When to Contact GHFS Hosting Support

Contact support if:

• You cannot fix a permission issue

• Changing permissions breaks your site

• You need help identifying correct settings

• WordPress still cannot write to files

• A security plugin reports permission errors

Support can diagnose permissions and apply correct settings for you.