Why you cannot edit wp-config.php directly

If you have used WordPress before on another hosting provider, you may be used to editing a file called wp-config.php to change settings like debug mode or memory limits. On Web60, this file is protected and you cannot edit it directly through the file manager or SFTP.

This is not a limitation — it is a deliberate security measure that keeps your website safe while giving you access to all the same settings through your dashboard.

What is wp-config.php?

The wp-config.php file is one of the most important files in any WordPress website. It contains sensitive information such as your database connection details and security keys. If this file is edited incorrectly, your entire website can go offline. If it falls into the wrong hands, your data could be compromised.

Because of this, Web60 protects this file from direct editing.

Why we protect it

There are three main reasons:

1. Security

The file contains your database credentials and security keys. Allowing direct editing through a file manager or SFTP creates an unnecessary risk. A misplaced character, an accidental save, or a compromised connection could expose sensitive information or break your site entirely.

2. Stability

Many common WordPress problems are caused by incorrect changes to wp-config.php — a missing semicolon, a wrong value, or a duplicated line. By managing this file for you, we prevent these issues from happening in the first place.

3. Platform consistency

Web60 manages certain technical settings at the server level to keep your site running smoothly. Allowing direct edits to wp-config.php could conflict with these settings and cause unexpected behaviour.

How to manage your settings instead

Every setting you would normally change in wp-config.php is available through your Web60 dashboard. Here is where to find the most common ones:

In Advanced Settings

• Debug mode — Turn WP_DEBUG on or off, and control whether errors are displayed on screen with WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY.
• Memory limit — Set how much memory WordPress can use (128 MB, 256 MB, or 512 MB).
• Empty trash — Choose how many days before trashed posts are permanently deleted.
• Post revisions — Limit how many revisions WordPress keeps for each post.
• WordPress cron — Switch between WordPress built-in cron and server-side cron.
• Core auto-updates — Choose whether WordPress updates automatically.

In My Website

• Maintenance mode — Show a maintenance page to visitors while you make changes.
• Cache — Flush your site cache with one click.

In PHP Settings (Advanced Settings)

• PHP memory limit — Set the PHP memory limit for your site.
• Upload size — Control the maximum file upload size.
• Execution time — Set how long scripts are allowed to run.

All of these controls update the correct configuration safely and are validated before being applied, so there is no risk of a typo taking your site offline.

What if you need something that is not in the dashboard?

If you need a specific WordPress constant or setting that is not yet available in your dashboard, contact our support team. We review requests and can apply settings on your behalf when they are safe and appropriate for your site.

Need help?

If you have questions about your website settings or need help finding a particular option, visit our support page and we will be happy to help.