FAQ: Developer Tools - Accessing and Managing Your WordPress Hosting Pro Files and Database – Vendasta Support

WordPress Hosting Pro gives partners the flexibility and power to manage WordPress files and data using advanced tools. This guide answers the most frequently asked questions about SFTP, phpMyAdmin, file uploads, and system access for developers and technical users.

Q: How do I use SFTP to access my site’s file system?

WordPress Hosting Pro allows you to connect via SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol), which encrypts your connection for secure file access.

Step 1: Add an SFTP key pair

Go to your WordPress Hosting Pro Dashboard and find the SFTP section.
Click Add Key, name your key, and generate the key pair.
Download the private key associated with your site. This is required to authenticate your SFTP session.

Step 2: Connect using FileZilla (or another SFTP client)

Open FileZilla and go to File > Site Manager > New Site.
Configure the connection:
- Host: sftp.websitepro.hosting
- Port: 22
- Protocol: SFTP – SSH File Transfer Protocol
- Logon Type: Key File
- User: Your provided username
- Key file: Browse and select your downloaded private key
Click Connect

Once connected, you’ll be able to upload files, remove plugins/themes, and manage your site directly.

Q: How can I find the database connection string for my site?

Although you can't connect remotely, you can output your site’s database credentials by following these steps:

Connect to your file system via SFTP.
Upload a .php file with the following code:

<?php
echo "Database Host: " . DB_HOST . "<br>";
echo "Database Name: " . DB_NAME . "<br>";
echo "Database User: " . DB_USER . "<br>";
echo "Database Password: " . DB_PASSWORD . "<br>";
?>

Visit the file in your browser, e.g., http://yourdomain.com/filename.php
Important: Delete this file after use to maintain site security.

Q: Can I check which PHP extensions are enabled?

Yes. Follow these steps:

On your computer, create a file named phpinfo.php.
Add the following code:

<?php
phpinfo();
?>

Upload this file to your site’s wp directory using SFTP.
Visit yourdomain.com/phpinfo.php in a browser.
Look for the extensions section to confirm whether tools like cURL or FTP are enabled.
Delete the file after checking.

Q: Can I make changes to the `php.ini` file?

No. The php.ini file is not accessible or editable on WordPress Hosting Pro or Standard. This is part of our secure hosting environment. If you need help with a specific PHP configuration, please contact Support.

Q: Can I increase the upload limit for the All-in-One WP Migration plugin?

Yes, but it depends on the plugin version:

Default limit: 64 MB
With free extension: Up to 512 MB
For larger sites: Use the All-in-One WP Migration Unlimited extension

This extension is not installed by default. If you need help installing it, our support team can assist.

Q: Can I connect to the database using MySQL Workbench or other remote clients?

No. WordPress Hosting Pro site databases are isolated inside a secure network. For that reason:

Remote database tools like MySQL Workbench will not work
Direct configuration file transfers or database exports from other hosts may not be compatible

If you're migrating a site, we recommend using supported plugins like All-in-One WP Migration, or contact our support team for alternate solutions.

Q: Why can’t I use plugins that require the XMLRPC.php file?

The xmlrpc.php file enables remote access to WordPress, but it is disabled by default in WordPress Hosting Pro and WordPress Hosting Standard due to known security vulnerabilities.

Plugins that rely on it, such as Jetpack or certain Zapier integrations, may not function correctly.

For more context:

Q: How do I increase the file upload limit in WordPress?

A: You can increase the upload limit using a plugin, but the maximum limit in WordPress Hosting Pro is 256 MB.

To increase the default upload limit:

In WordPress, go to Plugins > Add New
Install Big File Uploads – Increase Maximum File Upload Size
Activate the plugin
Navigate to Media > Big File Uploads and set your desired limit (up to 256 MB)

If you need to upload files larger than 256 MB, use SFTP to upload directly to your server.