> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.mainwp.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How to Set FS_METHOD Properly

> MainWP requires the Filesystem Method to be set to direct on Child Sites for updates to work properly. Add the FS_METHOD constant to wp-config.php.

WordPress supports multiple filesystem access methods for installing and updating plugins and themes. MainWP requires the "direct" method to function properly on child sites.

## What You'll Learn

* Why FS\_METHOD matters for MainWP
* How to configure the setting
* How to troubleshoot file permission issues

***

## Why This Setting Matters

WordPress can access the filesystem through several methods:

| Method         | Description                             |
| -------------- | --------------------------------------- |
| **direct**     | PHP directly reads and writes files     |
| **ssh2**       | Uses SSH connection for file operations |
| **ftpext**     | Uses PHP's FTP extension                |
| **ftpsockets** | Uses FTP via sockets                    |

MainWP needs direct filesystem access to perform updates, install plugins/themes, and manage files efficiently. When WordPress uses FTP or SSH methods, MainWP operations may timeout or fail.

***

## When You Need This Setting

Apply this setting if you experience:

* MainWP Dashboard warnings about filesystem method
* Plugin or theme updates failing with permission errors
* Upload operations timing out
* "Could not create directory" errors during installations

***

## How to Apply the Setting

<Steps>
  <Step title="Connect to your Child Site">
    Use FTP, SFTP, or your hosting file manager to access the site files.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Open wp-config.php">
    Locate and open the `wp-config.php` file in the site root directory.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add the FS_METHOD constant">
    Add this line before the comment `/* That's all, stop editing! */`:

    ```php theme={null}
    define( 'FS_METHOD', 'direct' );
    ```
  </Step>

  <Step title="Save and test">
    Save the file and test by running an update from your MainWP Dashboard.
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## File Permissions

For direct filesystem access to work, WordPress needs proper file permissions:

| Item          | Recommended Permission |
| ------------- | ---------------------- |
| Directories   | 755                    |
| Files         | 644                    |
| wp-config.php | 640 or 600             |

If you've set FS\_METHOD to direct but still encounter issues, check that your hosting account owns the files and directories.

***

## Alternative: FTP Configuration

Some managed hosts don't allow direct filesystem access. In those cases, configure FTP credentials instead:

```php theme={null}
define( 'FTP_USER', 'your-ftp-username' );
define( 'FTP_PASS', 'your-ftp-password' );
define( 'FTP_HOST', 'ftp.yoursite.com' );
```

See the [WordPress documentation on filesystem constants](https://developer.wordpress.org/advanced-administration/wordpress/wp-config/#wordpress-upgrade-constants) for complete options.

***

## Troubleshooting

If setting FS\_METHOD doesn't resolve issues:

1. Verify file ownership matches your PHP process user
2. Check if your host restricts certain PHP functions
3. Review the [Required PHP Functions](/advanced/miscellaneous/required-php-functions-for-mainwp) list
4. Contact your hosting support for assistance with file permissions

***

## Self-Check Checklist

* [ ] FS\_METHOD constant added to wp-config.php
* [ ] File saved successfully
* [ ] Test update runs without errors
* [ ] File permissions set correctly (755/644)

***

## Related Resources

* [Required PHP Functions](/advanced/miscellaneous/required-php-functions-for-mainwp) - PHP requirements
* [Resolve System Requirements](/troubleshooting/resolve-system-requirement-issues) - Server configuration
* [Plugin Installation Fails](/troubleshooting/plugin-installation-fails-with-error-message-upload-failed) - Upload troubleshooting