What are the Correct WordPress Filesystem Permissions and Ownership

Question

I've got a site hosted on an apache server VPS and I'm always running into problems with uploads, installing plugins etc.

The response I get from my web host is;

777 is the correct permissions for files/folders apache needs write access to

This seems to contradict with what the WordPress Codex says.

Can somebody explain why WP recommends 755 but my host is saying 777?

Thanks in advance

Check http://stackoverflow.com/questions/18352682/correct-file-permissions-for-wordpress to get correct file permission in wordpress. — Ashish Patel, Jun 05 '15 at 10:26

score 0 · Answer 1 · answered Jun 05 '15 at 10:23

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The WordPress Codex has some good info for hardening WordPress. Ideally, all files should have 644 permissions, and all directories should be 755 (no higher).

If you're still running into issues adding plugins and updating WordPress, you should heed the advice of the following (unless you want to enter FTP details into WordPress each time):

Any file that needs write access from WordPress should be writable by the web server. If your hosting set up requires it, that may mean those files need to be group-owned by the user account used by the web server process.

answered Jun 05 '15 at 10:23

rnevius

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I know WP recommends 644 and 755. What I don't understand is why my host would suggest 777. – Ian Butler Jun 05 '15 at 10:32
Only your host can answer that. – rnevius Jun 05 '15 at 10:33

score 0 · Answer 2 · answered Jun 05 '15 at 17:14

I think that if you can't articulate a REASON for your own settings [which is fine!], I'd leave the permissions at 777. It can get confusing otherwise. So if you don't know the purpose of what you're doing, at least simpler seams better. PS - I manage dozens of sites and have 777 on everything.

What are the Correct WordPress Filesystem Permissions and Ownership

2 Answers2