What is FTP?
FTP (File Transfer Protocol) allows you to upload, download, and manage files on your web hosting account using specialized FTP client software. FTP is faster and more reliable than web-based file managers, especially for large files or bulk operations.
Upload Files
Transfer files from your computer to the server
Download Files
Retrieve files from the server
Manage Files
Edit, delete, and organize
FTP Connection Details
To connect via FTP, you'll need:
yourdomain.com21 (FTP) or 22 (SFTP)Recommendation: Use SFTP
SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol) is more secure than regular FTP as it encrypts your connection. Use port 22 and SFTP protocol when connecting.
Recommended FTP Clients
FileZilla (Free)
Most popular FTP client, available for Windows, Mac, and Linux.
filezilla-project.orgSetting Up FileZilla
Step 1: Download and Install
Download FileZilla from filezilla-project.org and install it on your computer.
Step 2: Open Site Manager
Click "File" → "Site Manager" from the menu bar.
Step 3: Create New Site
Click "New Site" button and give it a name.
Step 4: Enter Connection Details
Protocol: SFTP - SSH File Transfer Protocol
Host: yourdomain.com
Port: 22
Logon Type: Normal
User: Your cPanel username
Password: Your cPanel password
Step 5: Connect
Click "Connect" to establish the connection to your server.
Creating Additional FTP Accounts
Create separate FTP accounts with limited access for specific directories:
- Log into cPanel
- Find the "Files" section and click "FTP Accounts"
- Enter the login username
- Select the domain
- Enter a password or generate one
- Set directory (defaults to user's home directory)
- Set quota (optional)
- Click "Create FTP Account"
Benefits of Additional FTP Accounts
- Give developers access without sharing cPanel password
- Restrict access to specific directories
- Set disk quotas for each account
- Easy to revoke access by deleting the account
Using FTP
Uploading Files
- Connect to your server via FTP
- Navigate to the destination folder on the server (right panel)
- Navigate to your local files (left panel)
- Select files to upload
- Drag and drop to the server panel, or right-click → Upload
- Wait for transfer to complete
Downloading Files
- Connect to your server
- Navigate to the file location on server
- Select files to download
- Drag to local panel or right-click → Download
FTP vs SFTP vs FTPS
FTP
Port: 21
Basic file transfer, no encryption. Not recommended for sensitive data.
SFTP (Recommended)
Port: 22
SSH-based, fully encrypted. Most secure option.
FTPS
Port: 990
FTP with SSL/TLS encryption. More secure than FTP.
Troubleshooting
Connection Refused
- • Verify hostname is correct
- • Check if using correct port (21 for FTP, 22 for SFTP)
- • Ensure your IP isn't blocked
- • Try connecting with passive mode
Login Failed
- • Double-check username (case-sensitive)
- • Verify password is correct
- • Ensure FTP account exists and is active
- • Try resetting password in cPanel
Slow Transfer Speeds
- • Check your internet connection
- • Reduce number of simultaneous connections
- • Compress files before uploading
- • Try during off-peak hours
Best Practices
- • Always use SFTP when available
- • Use strong, unique passwords for FTP accounts
- • Delete unused FTP accounts
- • Limit FTP account access to specific directories when possible