Use SFTP To Connect To WordPress Optimized Template

In this article, we will be reviewing how to connect to your WordPress Optimized Template using SFTP as the connection medium.

SSH File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) is the most secure way to upload files to your WordPress Optimized Template site. This article is intended specifically for connecting to a WordPress Optimized Template site using the free, cross-platform FTP client FileZilla, but the connection details should apply to any FTP client.

Step #1: Enter the Connection Details

FTP/SFTP connection details are included in the “Welcome to your new WordPress site” email that was automatically sent to you upon adding the site in the Sites section of your Manage dashboard. In case you don’t have that handy, you will use the following information details.

• Host: The domain name or IP address of the site.
• Username: The WordPress admin username created when adding the site.
• Password: The password you assigned to the WordPress admin user when adding the site.
• Port: 22 (Port 21 can be used for a standard FTP connection, but it is not recommended. SFTP should always use port 22 for maximum security. All connection details, other than the port number, are the same either way.)

In FileZilla, enter the hostname or IP address of the server, your username, password, and port number into the Quick Connect toolbar and press the Quickconnect button. This should provide a means to quickly login to your account.

Step #2: Security Settings

If your site does not have the free standard SSL certificate installed, you will need to click OK to accept the “Unknown host key” message and proceed with the connection. Before you move forward, you should confirm that the Host field matches the website and server you are connecting to. The connection will be secure, and will be encrypted using the server’s self-signed certificate. Below is an image which represents what the unknown host key looks like. Simply click on the "OK" button to accept the certificate.

When you’re ready to get your site’s free standard SSL certificate ordered and installed, please contact Heroic Support®.

Step #3: Upload Files

Once connected via SFTP, you will be able to securely transfer files to and from the server. You initially will connect to your account’s home directory (/home/username/), and will need to navigate to the appropriate directory for the content you are uploading. In FileZilla, you can paste the desired path directly into the Remote site field. For reference:

• Document root: /home/username/public_html
• Plugins: /home/username/public_html/wp-content/plugins
• Themes: /home/username/public_html/wp-content/themes
• Uploads: /home/username/public_html/wp-content/uploads

If you are experiencing any problems getting logged in, give us a call today at 800.580.4985, or open a chat or ticket with Liquid Web Support and speak with one of our knowledgeable System admins today!