Create an FTP Account and Connect

FTP (File Transfer Protocol) allows you to upload and download files to your hosting account using a dedicated FTP client. You can create multiple FTP accounts, each with its own username, password, and folder access.

Creating an FTP Account in cPanel

1. Log in to your cPanel control panel
2. In the Files section, click FTP Accounts
3. Under Add FTP Account, enter:
- Login: Your desired FTP username (e.g., myuser)
- Password: A strong password (or click Generate for a random one)
- Directory: Choose the folder this account can access — leave blank to restrict to public_html, or select another folder
4. Click Create FTP Account
5. You'll see a confirmation page with your FTP credentials

Save your details: Write down or screenshot your FTP username, password, hostname, and port — you'll need them in your FTP client.

Connecting with an FTP Client

Popular FTP clients include FileZilla (free, Windows/Mac/Linux), WinSCP, or CyberDuck. Here's the general process:

1. Download and open your FTP client
2. Create a new connection:
- Host/Server: Your provider will give you the exact hostname (often server.yourhost.com or your domain name)
- Username: The FTP login you created
- Password: The password you set
- Port: Usually 21 for standard FTP, or 22 for SFTP (secure FTP — your provider will specify)
3. Connect: Click Connect or Quick Connect and wait for the directory to load
4. Upload/Download: Drag files between your computer (left panel) and the server (right panel)

Managing FTP Accounts

To view, change, or delete FTP accounts:

1. Go to FTP Accounts in cPanel
2. Scroll to FTP Accounts and find your account in the list
3. Click Change Password to update the password
4. Click Delete (icon on the right) to remove the account

Troubleshooting Connection Issues

• Connection timeout: Check that your host and port are correct; ask your provider if unsure
• Login failed: Verify your FTP username and password exactly — they're case-sensitive
• Firewall blocking: If you can't connect, your local network firewall may block port 21 or 22; try a different port or contact your network admin
• SFTP vs. FTP: Some providers only offer SFTP for security; use port 22 if standard FTP (port 21) fails

Best Practices

• Use SFTP when available (port 22) — it encrypts your login and file transfer
• Create separate accounts for team members so you can revoke access individually
• Limit directory access — restrict each account to only the folders it needs
• Change passwords regularly for security