Sometimes you are handed a WordPress site to manage, but don't have full access to it. There are two kinds of administrative access to a WordPress site:
- Access to an administrator account on the site itself.
- Access to the group or department web space where the WordPress software is installed.
Each access method provides the ability to perform different tasks.
WordPress administrator: make content updates, maintain users, or manage comments
A WordPress Administrator is someone who has access to the Admin Panel within WordPress and can perform tasks from within the site itself, such as make content updates, add users or manage comments.
The best way to obtain this type of access is from a person who's already an administrator of the website, such as the person that originally installed WordPress. They can create a new account for you or promote your existing account to one with administrative privileges.
Group or department web space administrator: update WordPress software
WordPress can be updated through the WordPress Upgrader if it was originally installed using the WordPress Installer. The upgrade tool can be run by anyone who satisfies the same requirements as installing WordPress in the first place. These requirements are:
- A full-service SUNet ID.
- Administrative rights to the space where WordPress is installed.
A fairly easy way to check if you are allowed to upgrade a WordPress instance is to go to the WordPress Upgrader and see if the instance is listed there. If the website is not listed it could be because it was installed manually or you don't have administrative access to the group or department space where WordPress is installed. If you have difficulties, please submit a HelpSU request to University IT for assistance.
