FileZilla Permission Denied Error
Fix file permission errors and understand CHMOD
Common Permission Error Messages
Error: Critical file transfer error
Error: Failure (SSH_FX_PERMISSION_DENIED)
These errors mean you don't have the necessary permissions to perform the action (upload, delete, modify).
Understanding File Permissions (CHMOD)
On Unix/Linux servers, every file and folder has permissions that control who can read, write, or execute them.
Three Permission Types
Read (r)
Files: Can view/download
Folders: Can list contents
Numeric: 4
Write (w)
Files: Can modify/delete
Folders: Can add/remove files
Numeric: 2
Execute (x)
Files: Can run as program
Folders: Can access/enter
Numeric: 1
Three User Groups
User who owns the file (usually your FTP account)
Users in the same group (often "www-data" or similar)
Everyone else (including web server in many cases)
Permission Numbers Explained
Permissions are often shown as a 3-digit number like 755 or644. Each digit represents Owner, Group, and Others.
How to Calculate:
Add up the values:
- Read (r) = 4
- Write (w) = 2
- Execute (x) = 1
Example: rwx = 4+2+1 = 7
rw- = 4+2 = 6
r-x = 4+1 = 5
r-- = 4
Common Permission Settings
644 (rw-r--r--)
Recommended for FilesOwner: Read + Write (6)
Group: Read only (4)
Others: Read only (4)
Use for: HTML, CSS, images, text files
755 (rwxr-xr-x)
Recommended for FoldersOwner: Read + Write + Execute (7)
Group: Read + Execute (5)
Others: Read + Execute (5)
Use for: All directories/folders
600 (rw-------)
Secure FilesOwner: Read + Write (6)
Group: No access (0)
Others: No access (0)
Use for: Config files, .htaccess, sensitive data
700 (rwx------)
Secure FoldersOwner: Full access (7)
Group: No access (0)
Others: No access (0)
Use for: Private directories, upload folders
777 (rwxrwxrwx)
⚠️ Security Risk!Everyone: Full access
Avoid this! Only use temporarily for debugging. Makes files vulnerable to hackers.
How to Change Permissions in FileZilla
- 1
Connect to Server
Use FileZilla to connect via FTP or SFTP
- 2
Locate File or Folder
Navigate to the file/folder in the Remote Site panel (right side)
- 3
Open Permissions Dialog
Right-click the file/folder → File permissions...
- 4
Set Permissions
Two ways to set permissions:
Method 1: Checkboxes
Check/uncheck boxes for:
OwnerGroupPublic□ Read□ Read□ Read□ Write□ Write□ Write□ Execute□ Execute□ ExecuteMethod 2: Numeric Value
Enter 3-digit number directly:
Example: 644, 755, 777
- 5
Apply to Subfolders (Optional)
For folders with contents:
- Check "Recurse into subdirectories"
- Select one:
- Apply to all files and directories
- Apply to directories only
- Apply to files only
Tip: Apply 755 to directories only, then 644 to files only
- 6
Save Changes
Click OK to apply permissions
Common Permission Problems & Solutions
❌ Can't Upload Files
Problem: Folder lacks write permission
Solution: Change folder permission to 755 or 777 (temporarily)
❌ Can't Delete Files
Problem: Parent folder lacks write permission
Solution: Change parent folder permission to 755
❌ Website Shows "Permission Denied"
Problem: Web server can't read files
Solution: Ensure files have read permission for "Others": 644 minimum
❌ PHP/CGI Scripts Don't Run
Problem: Scripts lack execute permission
Solution: Change to 755 for folders containing scripts, 644 for PHP files (or 755 for CGI)
❌ Can't Change Permissions
Problem: You're not the owner or logged in with wrong account
Solutions:
- Verify you're logged in with the correct FTP account
- Contact hosting provider to change ownership
- Use cPanel File Manager (may have more permissions)
🛡️ Security Best Practices
Use least privilege: Grant only the minimum permissions needed
Avoid 777: Only use temporarily for debugging, change back immediately
Protect sensitive files: Use 600/700 for config files and private folders
Standard website: 644 for files, 755 for directories works for 99% of cases
Check after upload: Verify permissions after transferring files
Still Getting Permission Errors?
✓ Permissions Fixed?
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the correct permissions for website files?
Generally, use 644 (rw-r--r--) for files and 755 (rwxr-xr-x) for folders. This gives you full control while allowing the web server to read files and execute scripts. Never use 777 unless absolutely necessary as it's a security risk.
Why can I upload but not delete files?
You have write permission but not delete permission on the parent folder. You need write permission (w) on the folder to delete files within it, not just on the file itself.
What does "550 Permission denied" mean?
Error 550 means you tried to perform an action (upload, delete, rename) but don't have the necessary permissions. Check folder permissions and ensure you're logged in with the right account.
Can I change permissions recursively for all subfolders?
Yes! Right-click a folder in FileZilla → File permissions → Check "Recurse into subdirectories" and select "Apply to directories only" or "Apply to files only" or both, then click OK.