# How to use the SSH wget command

> Canonical: https://jethost.com/kb/how-to-use-the-ssh-wget-command/ · Last modified: 2026-08-20T06:49:57+00:00

The SSH `wget` command retrieves files from the web via HTTP, HTTPS, or FTP. In particular, it's useful for downloading plugins, themes, scripts, or backups directly to your server without using a browser or FTP client. Furthermore, wget supports background downloads, multiple files, and mirroring entire sites - making it a practical tool for server management via SSH. Unlike curl, wget is non-interactive by default and can resume interrupted downloads, which helps when transferring large files.

## Download via HTTP/HTTPS

Most [Linux hosting](https://jethost.com/web-hosting/) accounts include wget by default. To verify it's available, run `wget --version`.

To download a file from a URL, run SSH wget command followed by the full address:

```
wget https://example.com/file.zip
```

The file saves with its original name in the current directory. To save under a different name, use `-O`:

```
wget -O myfile.zip https://example.com/file.zip
```

Keep the correct file extension when renaming. Example—download jQuery:

```
wget https://code.jquery.com/jquery-3.7.1.min.js
```

## Download via FTP

Wget can also connect to FTP servers. Use your FTP credentials to download from an FTP server:

```
wget --ftp-user=USERNAME --ftp-password='PASSWORD' ftp://hostname/path/to/file.zip
```

Replace USERNAME, PASSWORD, hostname, and the path with your actual values. To download all files in an FTP directory, use a trailing `*`:

```
wget --ftp-user=USERNAME --ftp-password='PASSWORD' ftp://hostname/path/to/directory/*
```

## Download in the background

Large downloads can block your terminal. Use `-b` to run wget in the background so you can continue working:

```
wget -b https://example.com/large-file.zip
```

Wget writes progress to a log file (e.g. `wget-log`) so you can check status later. Useful for large files that take a long time to download.

## Download multiple files

When you need to grab several files at once, put URLs in a text file, one per line, then use `-i` to download them all in sequence:

```
wget -i urls.txt
```

Example `urls.txt`:

```
https://example.com/file1.zip
https://example.com/file2.zip
https://example.com/file3.zip
```

## Mirror a website

Use `-m` (or `--mirror`) to download a full copy of a site's HTML structure:

```
wget -m https://example.com
```

Use with care—only mirror sites you own or have permission to copy. Mirroring can generate a lot of traffic and may be restricted by some hosts.

## Common use cases

Typical uses for SSH `wget` command on a [Linux hosting](https://jethost.com/web-hosting/) account:

- Downloading WordPress plugins or themes from external sources
- Fetching JavaScript libraries or other assets for your project
- Backing up files from an FTP server to your hosting account
- Retrieving external resources needed for scripts or applications

For moving or renaming downloaded files, see the [SSH mv command](https://jethost.com/kb/how-to-use-the-ssh-mv-command/). For searching text in files, see [grep](https://jethost.com/kb/how-to-use-the-ssh-grep-command/).

## Need more help?

Explore more [SSH and hosting guides](https://jethost.com/kb/category/linux-commands/) in our [knowledgebase](https://jethost.com/help/). JetHost [web hosting](https://jethost.com/web-hosting/) includes SSH access for managing your server directly.