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Advanced Tools

What are Advanced Tools?​

Advanced Tools in WordPress Hosting provide developer utilities, logging capabilities, and configuration options for managing your WordPress site at a deeper level. These tools help you troubleshoot issues, monitor activity, manage databases, control caching behavior, and configure security settings.

Advanced Tools are designed for users who need more control over their WordPress site's technical aspects, including debugging, database management, and performance optimization.

Why are Advanced Tools important?​

  • Troubleshooting: Access logs and activity records to diagnose and fix issues quickly
  • Performance Control: Manage caching to see changes instantly or optimize site speed
  • Database Management: Direct access to your site's database for advanced operations
  • Security Configuration: Set up captchas, reCAPTCHAs, and advanced login options
  • Monitoring: Track site activity and changes through comprehensive logging
  • Analytics Control: Manage Google Analytics tracking settings for GDPR compliance

What's included​

  • Cron Jobs: Learn about WordPress Hosting Pro's automated scheduled tasks system

Key Advanced Tools Features​

Logging and Monitoring​

Activity Logs provide a comprehensive record of staging site activities, including:

  • Reset staging from template
  • Reset staging from backup
  • Push staging to live

PHP Logs help you troubleshoot issues by providing detailed error and debug information directly from your WordPress Hosting Pro dashboard.

Caching Management​

Control how caching affects your site:

  • Bypass Cache: Temporarily skip caching to see changes immediately using /?skip URL parameter
  • Caching Tools: Use built-in tools to see changes instantly without waiting for cache to clear

Database Management​

phpMyAdmin provides a powerful web-based interface for:

  • Viewing and editing database content
  • Backing up and restoring databases
  • Resetting user passwords
  • Running SQL queries
  • Managing database structure

Security and Configuration​

Advanced Login Options:

  • Configure captcha and reCAPTCHA protection
  • Control access to /wp-admin login page
  • Set up enhanced captcha with failed login attempt thresholds

Google Analytics Control:

  • Toggle default Google Analytics tracking on/off
  • Ensure GDPR compliance
  • Manage analytics data collection

How to Get Started​

  1. Access Advanced Tools: Navigate to your WordPress Hosting Pro dashboard and select your website
  2. Choose Your Tool: Select the specific tool you need from the Advanced Tools section
  3. Follow Documentation: Refer to the individual guides for each tool to learn how to use them effectively
  4. Use with Caution: Advanced Tools provide powerful capabilities—always back up your site before making database changes or significant configuration updates

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)​

When should I use Advanced Tools?

Use Advanced Tools when you need to:

  • Troubleshoot site issues or errors
  • Monitor staging site activity
  • Manage your site's database directly
  • Control caching behavior
  • Configure security settings like captchas
  • Adjust Google Analytics tracking for compliance
Are Advanced Tools safe to use?

Most Advanced Tools are safe when used correctly, but some require caution:

  • phpMyAdmin: Always back up your database before making changes
  • Activity Logs: Read-only, safe to use anytime
  • PHP Logs: Read-only, safe to use anytime
  • Caching Tools: Safe to use, but understand the impact on site performance
  • Database Changes: Always create backups before modifying database content
Do I need technical knowledge to use Advanced Tools?

Some tools require more technical knowledge than others:

  • Activity Logs and PHP Logs: Minimal technical knowledge needed—just read and understand the information
  • Bypass Caching: Very simple—just add /?skip to your URL
  • phpMyAdmin: Requires understanding of databases and SQL
  • Security Configuration: Moderate technical knowledge helpful but not required
Can I break my site using Advanced Tools?

Some Advanced Tools can potentially cause issues if used incorrectly:

  • phpMyAdmin: Incorrect database changes can break your site—always back up first
  • Caching Tools: Generally safe, but disabling caching may slow your site
  • Activity Logs and PHP Logs: Read-only, cannot break your site
  • Security Settings: Incorrect configuration may lock you out—follow documentation carefully

Always back up your site before making significant changes through Advanced Tools.

How do I use SFTP to access my site's file system?

WordPress Hosting Pro allows you to connect via SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol), which encrypts your connection for secure file access.

Step 1: Add an SFTP key pair

  1. Go to your WordPress Hosting Pro Dashboard and find the SFTP section.
  2. Click Add Key, name your key, and generate the key pair.
  3. Download the private key associated with your site. This is required to authenticate your SFTP session.

Step 2: Connect using FileZilla (or another SFTP client)

  1. Open FileZilla and go to File > Site Manager > New Site.
  2. Configure the connection:
    • Host: sftp.websitepro.hosting
    • Port: 22
    • Protocol: SFTP – SSH File Transfer Protocol
    • Logon Type: Key File
    • User: Your provided username
    • Key file: Browse and select your downloaded private key
  3. Click Connect

Once connected, you'll be able to upload files, remove plugins/themes, and manage your site directly.

Can I log in to WordPress Hosting Pro SFTP with a username and password?

No. WordPress Hosting Pro does not support password-based SFTP access.

To connect over SFTP, you must:

  • Generate a key file from the WordPress Hosting Pro dashboard
  • Use an SFTP client like FileZilla with your username and key file

For setup steps, see: How to use SFTP to access the file system in the WordPress Hosting dashboard under Advanced Tools.

Can I check which PHP extensions are enabled?

Yes. Follow these steps:

  1. On your computer, create a file named phpinfo.php.
  2. Add the following code:
<?php
phpinfo();
?>
  1. Upload this file to your site's wp directory using SFTP.
  2. Visit yourdomain.com/phpinfo.php in a browser.
  3. Look for the extensions section to confirm whether tools like cURL or FTP are enabled.
  4. Delete the file after checking.
Can I make changes to the php.ini file?

No. The php.ini file is not accessible or editable on WordPress Hosting Pro or Standard. This is part of our secure hosting environment. If you need help with a specific PHP configuration, please contact Support.

How do I increase the file upload limit in WordPress?

You can increase the upload limit using a plugin, but the maximum limit in WordPress Hosting Pro is 256 MB.

To increase the default upload limit:

  1. In WordPress, go to Plugins > Add New
  2. Install Big File Uploads – Increase Maximum File Upload Size
  3. Activate the plugin
  4. Navigate to Media > Big File Uploads and set your desired limit (up to 256 MB)

If you need to upload files larger than 256 MB, use SFTP to upload directly to your server.

Can I increase the upload limit for the All-in-One WP Migration plugin?

Yes, but it depends on the plugin version:

  • Default limit: 64 MB
  • With free extension: Up to 512 MB
  • For larger sites: Use the All-in-One WP Migration Unlimited extension

This extension is not installed by default. If you need help installing it, our support team can assist.

Why can't I use plugins that require the XMLRPC.php file?

The xmlrpc.php file enables remote access to WordPress, but it is disabled by default in WordPress Hosting Pro and WordPress Hosting Standard due to known security vulnerabilities.

Plugins that rely on it, such as Jetpack or certain Zapier integrations, may not function correctly.

For more context:

Can I hide the Advanced Tools tab?

Admin users can remove the Advanced Tools tab from the WordPress Hosting dashboard.

This prevents access to:

  • phpMyAdmin
  • SFTP
  • PHP logs
  • Advanced WordPress login option

To disable it:

  1. Go to Product Info in your dashboard
  2. Click the Admin Tools tab
  3. Go to Product Settings
  4. Toggle off Show Advanced Features

This change applies globally and cannot be customized per account.

Admin users will still be able to see and use all advanced tools.

Do I get access to cPanel when hosting on WordPress Hosting Pro?

No — cPanel is not used with WordPress Hosting Pro.

WordPress Hosting Pro is a fully managed hosting environment built on Google Cloud infrastructure. It handles traditional cPanel features internally, including:

  • Domain management
  • Backups and restores
  • SSL provisioning

If you need direct technical access, you can use:

  • phpMyAdmin for database management
  • SFTP (with a key file) for accessing your file system