WordPress asks for FTP credentials when installing plugins/themes or updating — how to fix

On a correctly configured hosting environment, WordPress can install plugins/themes and run updates without asking for FTP credentials.

If WordPress shows a prompt like “Connection Information” and asks for FTP host/username/password, it usually means WordPress cannot write to the filesystem (for example wp-content).

1) Check disk space / inodes first

If the hosting account is out of disk space (or inodes), WordPress cannot write files.

• In Plesk, check your domain statistics / disk usage.
• Delete old backups, logs, or unused files if you are close to the limit.

2) Fix file permissions with Plesk WordPress Toolkit (recommended)

1. Log in to Plesk (via My.GARMTECH → Login to Plesk).
2. Open WordPress (WordPress Toolkit).
3. Select the affected WordPress installation.
4. Look for a tool/action like Fix permissions / Reset file permissions and apply it.

This is the safest way because it applies the correct ownership and permission model for your hosting subscription.

3) Common permission targets (reference)

If you check permissions manually, typical values are:

• Folders: 755
• Files: 644

Important: avoid making files/folders world-writable (like 777). This is unsafe.

4) Avoid storing FTP passwords in WordPress

Entering FTP credentials into the WordPress prompt may “work around” the issue, but it does not fix the underlying permissions problem. It also increases risk if credentials are stored or intercepted.

5) Advanced (only if permissions are correct): FS_METHOD

Some setups can be fixed by forcing direct filesystem writes. Only do this if your permissions/ownership are already correct.

Edit wp-config.php and add:

define('FS_METHOD', 'direct');

If it still asks for FTP

• You may have incorrect ownership after a manual migration or extraction.
• Open a support ticket in My.GARMTECH with your domain and a screenshot of the WordPress prompt (do not include passwords). (/tickets/create/step1)