File permissions control who can read, write, or execute files and folders on your hosting account.

Incorrect permissions can cause website errors, upload problems, and security risks.

This guide explains how to change file permissions using DirectAdmin.

What Are File Permissions?

File permissions determine what access is allowed to files and folders on your hosting account.

Permissions control whether files can be:

• Read
• Written to
• Executed

Permissions are normally displayed as numbers such as:

644
755
600
700

Before You Start

Before changing permissions, make sure:

• You can log into DirectAdmin
• You know which file or folder requires permission changes
• You understand that incorrect permissions may cause website problems

If you have not logged in yet, please see:

• How to Log Into DirectAdmin

Important Warning

Changing permissions incorrectly may:

• break your website
• create security risks
• prevent files from loading
• stop applications from working

Only change permissions when necessary.

Common Permission Values

644

Recommended for most website files.

Allows:

• Owner: Read & Write
• Others: Read Only

755

Recommended for most folders.

Allows:

• Owner: Full Access
• Others: Read & Execute

600

Often used for sensitive configuration files.

777

⚠️ Not recommended.

This allows full access to everyone and can create serious security risks.

Avoid using 777 unless specifically instructed by a developer.

How to Change File Permissions

Step 1 — Log Into DirectAdmin

Open your browser and visit:

https://cp.yourdomain.co.za

Enter your hosting username and password.

Step 2 — Open File Manager

From the DirectAdmin dashboard:

Click: System Info & Files

Then click: File Manager

Step 3 — Locate the File or Folder

Browse to the file or folder that requires permission changes.

Examples: 

public_html or wp-config.php

Step 4 — Open Permissions

Select the file or folder.

Click: Set Permissions (alternatively right click the file or folder)

Step 5 — Enter the Permission Value

Enter the required permission number.

Common examples:

Website Files

644

Website Folders

755

Step 6 — Save the Changes

Click: Save

The new permissions will take effect immediately.

Recommended Permissions

Standard Website Files

644

Examples:

• HTML files
• PHP files
• CSS files
• JavaScript files

Standard Website Folders

755

Examples:

• images
• uploads
• plugin folders
• WordPress directories

WordPress Configuration File

Many WordPress websites use:

600 or 640

for: wp-config.php

to improve security.

Common Permission Problems

403 Forbidden Errors

This often occurs when permissions are too restrictive.

Images Not Displaying

Incorrect folder permissions can prevent image access.

WordPress Plugin Issues

Some plugins may fail if folders are not writable.

Upload Failures

Upload folders may require correct write permissions.

Troubleshooting

Website Shows 403 Forbidden

Check:

• folder permissions
• file permissions
• .htaccess configuration

WordPress Cannot Upload Media

Verify permissions on:

wp-content/uploads

Website Displays Blank Pages

Permission issues may prevent PHP files from loading correctly.

Permission Changes Not Saving

Possible causes include:

• ownership restrictions
• hosting security policies
• server configuration

Contact HostworX support if necessary.

Helpful Tips

Use 644 for Files

Most website files work correctly with: 644

Use 755 for Folders

Most website folders work correctly with: 755

Avoid 777 Permissions

Using: 777

can expose your website to security vulnerabilities.

Security Tips

• Use the lowest permissions required
• Avoid 777 permissions
• Keep WordPress updated
• Remove unused files
• Monitor website security regularly