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SSH Access and Command Line Tools for StellarSites

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StellarSites gives you the flexibility and control of a traditional WordPress setup, with the simplicity of a managed platform. If you’re comfortable using the command line, you’ll have secure SSH access and built-in WP-CLI support ready to go. Prefer using a visual file manager? SFTP access is included too.

Why Use SSH? #

SSH (Secure Shell) provides direct command-line access to your StellarSites environment. It is perfect for developers and technical users who want to:

  • Use WP-CLI for fast and scriptable WordPress management
  • Transfer files securely
  • Run custom scripts or automate maintenance tasks

SSH access is available on every StellarSites plan.

How to Access Your Site via SSH #

  1. Get Your SSH Credentials
    • Log in to your StellarSites dashboard.
    • Open your site’s control panel.
      Screenshot of the Stellar Sites dashboard displaying two active sites: 'Events' and 'WooCommerce Test', each with options to manage, view, or log in. The left sidebar shows navigation options including Account Details, Sites, Subscriptions, Payment Methods, Support, and Logout.
    • Under Overview, locate the Connection Settings section.
      Screenshot of a web hosting management dashboard showing tabs for Overview, Subscription, Domain, and License Keys. The Overview tab is selected. Site Details, Connection Settings for SFTP/SSH, and WordPress Credentials are displayed. Options include connecting to domain, logging in to the site, and access to Solid Central for managing plugins and themes. There's a section for getting support and a chat option with a knowledge bot.
    • Copy your IP address, username, password, and port.

WP-CLI is Pre-installed and Ready #

WP-CLI (link: https://wp-cli.org/), the command-line interface for WordPress, is pre-installed on all StellarSites. Once connected via SSHclear, you can use it to manage almost every aspect of your site.

A command prompt window displaying an SSH connection attempt to the IP address 209.87.158.232 with username 'a6eb9444_1'. The user is prompted for a password after confirming the addition of the host's key to known hosts.

Example commands:

wp plugin update –all

Command prompt showing a successful WordPress plugin update message using the command 'wp plugin update --all'. The output indicates that all plugins are already up to date.

wp theme activate kadence

A terminal window showing a command prompt where the command 'wp theme activate kadence' is typed in a WordPress installation directory.

wp user list

Terminal window showing the output of the command 'wp user list' with user details including ID, user_login, display_name, user_email, user_registered, and roles. There is one entry with ID 1, user login and display name 'a405e11b_admin', email 'kevinmarusek@stellarwp.com', registered on 2025-05-15 with the role of administrator.

This is a powerful tool for developers managing multiple plugins, content, or users.

Accessing Your Site with SFTP #

If you prefer a graphical interface, you can use an SFTP client like FileZilla, Transmit, or Cyberduck.

Steps to Connect via SFTP: #

  1. Open your preferred SFTP application
    Screenshot of the FileZilla FTP client interface, showing the quick connect fields at the top for host, username, password, and port, with the "Quickconnect" button. The main panel is empty, indicating no current server connection, and the left sidebar displays a local directory tree starting with 'W-root'.
  2. Enter your credentials (found under Sites > Overview > Connection Settings in the StellarSites dashboard):
    Screenshot of the FileZilla FTP client interface showing a successful connection to a server at IP address 209.87.158.232 with username 'a6eb9444_1'. The password is obscured by dots, and the connection is made on port 22. The interface displays status messages indicating successful retrieval of directory listings.
    • Host: The IP address under “SFTP/SSH”
    • Port: 22
    • Protocol: SFTP
    • Username and password: as listed in your account (or use your SSH key if configured)

  3. Browse and manage your files
     Once connected, you will be in the root directory of your WordPress installation. From there, you can upload custom themes, download backups, or edit files as needed.
    Screenshot of FileZilla FTP client interface displaying connection details to a remote server and a directory listing with files like 'wp-admin', 'wp-content', and 'index.php'.

Note: StellarSites does not support unencrypted FTP connections. Only secure SFTP is allowed.

Troubleshooting and Recommendations #

  • Cannot connect? Make sure you are using the correct port (22) and that your network does not block SSH/SFTP traffic.
  • Want to use Visual Studio Code? The Remote – SSH extension makes it easy to connect and manage files directly frm your editor.
  • Need help? Our support team can help you with connection issues, SSH key setup, and permissions.

Summary #

SSH and SFTP access are built into every StellarSites plan so you can work the way you want—whether that means running WP-CLI commands or dragging files in with your favorite client. You are in control, and we are here to support you every step of the way.

Let me know if you’d like to add screenshots, examples for specific clients like FileZilla, or split this out into separate docs.

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