How to Upload Files via FTP
FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is one of the most common ways to upload website files to your hosting account. This guide covers setup with popular FTP clients.
FTP Connection Details
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Host/Server | ftp.yourdomain.com or your server IP |
| Port | 21 (FTP) or 22 (SFTP) |
| Username | Your cPanel/DirectAdmin username or FTP account |
| Password | Your cPanel/DirectAdmin password or FTP password |
| Protocol | FTP with TLS (FTPS) or SFTP recommended |
Tip: Use SFTP (port 22) when available — it is more secure than FTP.
Using FileZilla (Free, Cross-Platform)
Step 1: Download and Install
Download FileZilla from `filezilla-project.org`.
Step 2: Connect
- Open FileZilla.
- Enter in the Quickconnect bar:
- Host: ftp.yourdomain.com (or server IP)
- Username: your FTP username
- Password: your FTP password
- Port: 21 (or 22 for SFTP)
- Click Quickconnect.
[screenshot: FileZilla quickconnect bar]
Step 3: Navigate
- Left panel: your local computer files.
- Right panel: your hosting server files.
- Navigate to the `
public_html` folder on the server (this is your website root).
Step 4: Upload
- In the left panel, browse to the files you want to upload.
- Drag them to the right panel (into `
public_html` or the desired directory). - FileZilla shows the transfer progress at the bottom.
Step 5: Verify
- Open your website in a browser.
- Confirm the uploaded files are accessible.
Creating an FTP Account
In cPanel
- Go to Files > FTP Accounts.
- Click Create FTP Account.
- Enter username, password, and home directory.
- Set a quota if desired.
- Click Create FTP Account.
In DirectAdmin
- Go to FTP Management.
- Click Create FTP Account.
- Fill in details and save.
Important Directories
| Directory | Purpose |
|---|---|
`public_html` | Your main website files |
`public_html/subdomain` | Subdomain files |
`mail` | Email data (do not modify) |
`logs` | Access and error logs |
Warning: Never modify files outside `
public_html` unless you know what you are doing. Deleting system files can break your hosting account.
Troubleshooting
"Connection Refused"
- Verify hostname and port.
- Check if FTP is enabled on your hosting.
- Try SFTP on port 22 instead.
"530 Login Incorrect"
- Double-check username and password.
- Ensure FTP account exists.
- Try your cPanel/DA username and password.
"Timeout" During Upload
- Large files may timeout. Try uploading in smaller batches.
- Check your internet connection stability.
- Increase timeout in FileZilla: Edit > Settings > Connection > Timeout.
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