How to Access Your wp-config.php File via SFTP Easily Print

If you're looking to access your wp-config.php file, there are a couple of straightforward methods you can use, either through secure file transfer protocol (SFTP) or via your cPanel. But first, what is the wp-config.php file?

What is The wp-config.php?

The `wp-config.php` file is a configuration file for WordPress that contains essential settings and configuration options for your WordPress site. It is located in the root directory of your WordPress installation. When you install WordPress, you'll need to provide certain details, and these details are stored in the `wp-config.php` file.

Why is it Important?

1. Database Connection Settings: One of the primary functions of `wp-config.php` is to store the details required to connect your WordPress site to its database. This includes the database name, username, password, and host. Without these details, your WordPress site won't be able to retrieve and store information in its database.

2. Security Keys and Salts: `wp-config.php` contains security keys and salts that enhance the security of your WordPress installation. These are used to encrypt data stored in user cookies, making it more difficult for unauthorized users to gain access to sensitive information.

3. Table Prefix: WordPress uses a database to store its content, and the `wp-config.php` file includes a table prefix setting. This prefix helps improve security by making it more challenging for attackers to execute SQL injection attacks.

4. Debugging Mode: The file allows you to enable or disable debugging mode. In a production environment, debugging is usually turned off, but it can be useful for troubleshooting and development.

5. File Permissions: It can define file permission settings, ensuring that your WordPress installation has the appropriate permissions to read and write files.

6. Multisite Configuration: If you're running a WordPress Multisite network, `wp-config.php` includes settings to configure and enable Multisite functionality.

7. Language Settings: You can set the language of your WordPress site in the `wp-config.php` file.

Method 1: Accessing wp-config.php via SFTP

Step 1: Install an SFTP Client

Start by downloading and installing an SFTP client. Some good options include:

For this example, we'll use Filezilla, but other SFTP clients work similarly.

Step 2: Retrieve SFTP Credentials

After installing your SFTP client, obtain your SFTP credentials from your web host. You can find these details in your hosting control panel. If you're unsure where to locate them, reach out to your host's support or check their help documentation.

Credentials needed:

- Host (your live server’s IP address or URL)
- SFTP username
- Password
- Port number

Step 3: Enter Credentials in Your SFTP Client

Launch your SFTP client and enter your host’s IP address or URL, SFTP username, password, and port number.

Note: If your SFTP client uses trust on first use (TOFU) authentication, click ‘OK’ if you see a 'host key unknown' alert. You can check 'Always trust this host, add this key to the cache' for future use.*

Step 4: Navigate to Your Website’s Root Directory

• Once logged in, you'll see a file tree displaying directories on your web server (remote) and your computer (local).
• Your root directory is usually labeled “www” or “public_html.” If unsure, ask us for help.
• Confirm you're in the correct folder by locating the wp-admin, wp-content, and wp-includes folders.

Step 5: Select or Create a Folder on Your Local Computer

• Choose a folder on your computer to store the wp-config.php file.
• If you don’t have a folder, create one. Right-click on the left pane, select 'Create directory,' name it, and click OK.
• Double-click to open the new directory.

Step 6: Find and Download wp-config.php

• Scroll down to wp-config.php in the right-bottom pane, right-click, and choose 'Download,' or drag the file to your chosen folder on the left pane.
• That's it! You've successfully accessed your wp-config.php file using SFTP.