The "PHP Warning: mkdir(): Permission denied in wp-content/plugins/" error means a WordPress plugin cannot create a directory because of incorrect file ownership or permissions. This commonly occurs with page builder plugins like Swift Framework, caching plugins, or any plugin that writes files to the wp-content directory.
Fix ownership and permissions
Via SSH:
chown -R $USER:$USER ~/public_html/wp-content
find ~/public_html/wp-content -type d -exec chmod 755 {} \;
find ~/public_html/wp-content -type f -exec chmod 644 {} \;
01. Why This Happens
- Wrong file ownership - The wp-content directory or its subdirectories are owned by a different user than the PHP process. See SoftException UID Error.
- Too restrictive permissions - Directories need 755 to allow PHP to create subdirectories
- After a migration or restore - Backups can change ownership or permissions
02. How to Fix
If you have SSH access, run the commands from the featured card above. If not, you can fix permissions via cPanel File Manager by right-clicking directories and selecting "Change Permissions" to 755.
If the issue persists after fixing permissions, the problem is ownership. Open a ticket and we will fix it. Also make sure you have define('FS_METHOD', 'direct'); in your wp-config.php. See WordPress FTP Credentials.
Permission Errors Persist?
Open a ticket and we will fix file ownership and permissions across your WordPress installation.
Open a Support TicketQuick Recap
- Fix ownership -
chown -R $USER:$USER ~/public_html/wp-content - Fix permissions - Directories 755, files 644
- Add FS_METHOD direct to wp-config.php
- Do not use 777
- Contact support if you cannot fix ownership yourself
WordPress permission errors · Last updated March 2026 · Browse all Error articles
