FTP accounts and connecting with FileZilla

Knowledgebase

FTP is handy when you have many files to move, or when you prefer working from your computer instead of the File Manager in the browser.

Creating an FTP account

1	In cPanel, open FTP Accounts.

2	Choose a name and a strong password, and set the directory — this is the important part: the account only sees that folder and what's inside it.

3	Create. The full username is name@yourdomain.com.

Connecting with FileZilla

1	Download FileZilla (the free client) and open File → Site Manager → New Site.

2	Fill in the connection details:

• Host: ftp.yourdomain.com
• Port: 21
• Protocol: FTP — File Transfer Protocol
• Encryption: Use explicit FTP over TLS
• User: the full account, name@yourdomain.com

3	Connect. Accept the certificate on the first connection.

Where to put the files

A website's files go inside public_html. Anything you upload outside that folder is not published on the web — which is exactly why files sometimes seem to "not appear" on the site.

Only need to move one file? The File Manager in cPanel does the same job without installing anything, and is faster for small jobs.

Connection refused or timing out? Set FileZilla to passive mode — it's under Site Manager, in the Transfer Settings tab. Office and corporate networks often block active mode. If it still fails, your IP may be blocked: see how to unblock your IP address.

FTP won't connect from your network? We'll check the block.

Open a support ticket