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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Need help? Contact our support team at https://domainindia.com/support/client/support.