How to Fix WordPress Website Migration Blocked by File Permission Errors

You’ve decided to move your WordPress website to a new host. Simple enough, right? But as you start the WordPress website migration, you hit an unexpected roadblock: permission errors or the files and folders on your site aren’t writable.

Most of them are locked down with permission mode 0555. In plain English, this means they’re “read-only” — you can view them, but you can’t make any changes. And if you can’t change them, you can’t migrate them.

So what do you do? Let’s break it down.

Why Are Your Files and Folders Not Writable?

This issue usually happens for one of three reasons:
1. Host Defaults – Some hosting providers set strict file permissions by default to prevent malicious scripts from altering your site.
2. Developer Restrictions – Sometimes developers intentionally lock files so only they can make changes.
3. Server Security Policies – On certain hardened servers, write access is restricted for safety until explicitly updated.

Whatever the case, the result is the same: your files are stuck in read-only mode.

Why Plugins Won’t Help

When you run into a file permission error, your first thought might be: “I’ll just use a WordPress migration plugin.” But here’s the catch — if files and folders aren’t writable, you can’t install or activate a plugin in the first place.

So in this situation, plugin-based migration tools are off the table.

The Smart Solution: Batch Permission Change with PHP

Manually fixing permissions through your FTP client is technically possible, but with hundreds (or even thousands) of files, it’s not realistic. You’d be there all day.

Instead, a faster solution is to batch-change file permissions using a PHP script.

Here’s a safe, simplified version you can use:

<?php
// Batch change file and folder permissions in WordPress root
$root = __DIR__;

$iterator = new RecursiveIteratorIterator(
    new RecursiveDirectoryIterator($root, RecursiveDirectoryIterator::SKIP_DOTS),
    RecursiveIteratorIterator::SELF_FIRST
);

foreach ($iterator as $item) {
    if ($item->isDir()) {
        chmod($item, 0755); // folders
    } else {
        chmod($item, 0644); // files
    }
}

echo "Permissions updated successfully!";
?>
  

Here’s how to use it:

1. Save the script as fix-permissions.php.
2. Upload it to the root folder of your WordPress site.
3. Open it in your browser (e.g., https://yoursite.com/fix-permissions.php).
4. Once it runs successfully, delete the file immediately for security.

Migration Back on Track

After fixing permissions, your WordPress hosting transfer can continue without a hitch. You’ll be able to copy, move, and configure files normally.

Key Takeaways

• File permission errors can block your WordPress website migration completely.
• Causes include host defaults, developer restrictions, or server security policies.
• Migration plugins won’t work if files aren’t writable.
• A simple batch PHP script can reset permissions in minutes.
• Always delete the script immediately after use for security.

FAQs About File Permission Errors in WordPress