SFTP — Secure File Transfer Protocol — is a way to transfer files between your computer and your WordPress hosting server securely. If you’ve ever needed to access your WordPress files directly, upload a custom theme, or troubleshoot a site issue at the file level, SFTP is the tool you use. Here’s how it works on WP Engine specifically.
What Is SFTP?
SFTP is an encrypted file transfer protocol. Unlike the older FTP (File Transfer Protocol), SFTP encrypts both the connection and the data being transferred, making it secure for accessing production server files. When you connect to your hosting server via SFTP, you can browse your WordPress file structure, upload and download files, and make file-level changes directly on the server.
Common uses for SFTP on WordPress include:
- Uploading a custom theme or plugin that can’t be installed through the WordPress dashboard
- Accessing wp-config.php or .htaccess files for manual edits
- Recovering from a broken site where the WordPress admin is inaccessible
- Downloading a full file backup of your site
- Deploying code changes from a local development environment
What You Need to Connect via SFTP
To connect to a server via SFTP you need four things:
- SFTP client — software on your computer for making SFTP connections. FileZilla is free and widely used. Transmit (Mac) and WinSCP (Windows) are popular paid options. Many code editors like VS Code also support SFTP through extensions.
- Hostname — the server address you’re connecting to
- Username — your SFTP account username
- Password or SSH key — authentication credentials
How to Use SFTP on WP Engine
Step 1: Get Your SFTP Credentials
Log into the WP Engine User Portal at my.wpengine.com. Navigate to your site, then go to the SFTP Users section. You can create an SFTP user specific to that site environment. WP Engine will provide the hostname, port, username, and let you set a password.
Step 2: Open Your SFTP Client
Open FileZilla or your preferred SFTP client. Enter the hostname, username, password, and port (WP Engine typically uses port 2222 for SFTP, not the standard port 22). Click connect.
Step 3: Navigate Your WordPress Files
Once connected, you’ll see your server’s file structure. WordPress files live in the wp-content directory and the root WordPress installation files. Navigate to the relevant directory for whatever you need to access or modify.
Step 4: Transfer Files
Drag files from your local computer to the server panel (upload) or from the server panel to your local computer (download). SFTP transfers are encrypted and reliable for both small files and large uploads.
SSH Access on WP Engine
WP Engine also provides SSH Gateway access for command-line operations, available on all plans. SSH lets you run WP-CLI commands, manage files via command line, and perform server operations beyond what SFTP’s file transfer interface supports. SSH access credentials are found in the same SFTP Users section of the User Portal.
SFTP vs the WordPress Dashboard
For most day-to-day WordPress management, the dashboard is sufficient. SFTP is the tool for file-level access when you need to go beyond what the dashboard provides — particularly for development work, debugging, and custom deployments. On WP Engine, both are available on every plan. See all WP Engine plans through Screenwalker for exclusive first-year pricing.
