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Troubleshooting WordPress Backup Plugin Permissions: A Self-Help Guide

Last updated on Aug 08, 2025

Troubleshooting WordPress Backup Plugin Permissions: A Self-Help Guide

**Description:**Step-by-step instructions for resolving file permission issues that prevent WordPress backup plugins from creating and downloading backups on Eco Web Hosting shared hosting (DirectAdmin).

Overview

WordPress backup plugins (such as UpdraftPlus, BackWPup, or All-in-One WP Migration) need correct file and folder permissions to create, store, and download backups. On shared hosting with Eco Web Hosting (powered by DirectAdmin), improper permissions can lead to errors like:

  • "Backup failed: could not write file"
  • "Unable to create directory"
  • "Could not download backup file"

This guide will help you diagnose and fix these issues using tools available in your control panel.

1. Understanding File Permissions

WordPress needs to read and write files within your hosting account. The most common permission issues involve:

  • The /wp-content folder (and its subfolders like /uploads or /updraft)
  • Backup plugin folders (often inside /wp-content)

Recommended permissions:

  • Folders: 755
  • Files: 644

2. Accessing DirectAdmin File Manager

  1. Log in to your Eco Web Hosting Client Area.
  2. Open your hosting account’s DirectAdmin control panel.
  3. Click File Manager from the main menu.

3. Checking and Fixing Permissions

A. Locate the Relevant Folder

  • For most backup plugins, backups are stored in:
    • /wp-content/updraft/ (UpdraftPlus)
    • /wp-content/backups/ or /wp-content/backwpup-xxxx/ (others)
  • Use File Manager to browse to /wp-content/ and look for the plugin folder.

B. Check Folder and File Permissions

  1. Right-click the backup folder (e.g., updraft) and select Change Permissions (or similar).
  2. Ensure the folder is set to 755 (drwxr-xr-x).
  3. Check individual backup files inside the folder; set them to 644 (-rw-r--r--).

Example: Setting permissions in DirectAdmin File Manager

  • Select the folder or files.
  • Click the Permissions or Change Permissions button.
  • Enter the value (e.g., 755 for folders, 644 for files).
  • Click Save or Apply.
# For folders (run these only if you have SSH access or use File Manager interface):
chmod 755 foldername/

# For files:
chmod 644 filename.zip

(Replace foldername and filename.zip with actual names as needed.)

4. Common Backup Plugin Errors & Fixes

Error: "Could not create directory"

  • Ensure the plugin’s folder exists (e.g., /wp-content/updraft/).
  • If missing, create it in File Manager and set permissions to 755.

Error: "Unable to write file" or "Backup failed"

  • Double-check folder permissions (755 for folders, 644 for files).
  • Make sure your account is not over disk quota (check disk usage in DirectAdmin).

Error: "Download failed" or "File not found"

  • Confirm backup files exist in the correct folder.
  • Check file permissions are 644.
  • Clear your browser cache and try downloading again.

5. Best Practices

  • Never set folder permissions to 777 (world-writable)—this creates security risks.
  • Always use the File Manager or an FTP client to adjust permissions.
  • After restoring or migrating your site, re-check permissions.
  • Regularly clean up old backups to avoid using up your disk space.

6. Practical Example: Fixing UpdraftPlus Permissions

  1. In File Manager, go to /wp-content/updraft/.
  2. Ensure the updraft folder is set to 755.
  3. All backup files inside should be 644.
  4. If the folder does not exist, create it:
    • Click New Folder
    • Name it updraft
    • Set permissions to 755
  5. Re-run your backup plugin.

7. Troubleshooting Checklist

  • [ ] Are the plugin’s folders present and set to 755?
  • [ ] Are backup files set to 644?
  • [ ] Is disk space available in your account?
  • [ ] Are you using the latest version of your backup plugin?
  • [ ] Have you disabled conflicting plugins or security rules?

8. When to Contact Support

If you’ve followed all steps and still experience issues, gather the following before submitting a support ticket:

  • The backup plugin name and version
  • The exact error message(s)
  • Actions you’ve already tried (from this guide)
  • Your website domain

Submit a support ticket via your Eco Web Hosting Client Area.

**Need more help?**See our WordPress backup and restore guide for further details or reach out to our support team for assistance.

This guide applies to shared hosting accounts using DirectAdmin. For VPS or reseller hosting, consult your account documentation or support for additional options.