Manage FTP users in cPanel

Manage FTP users in cPanel

What is FTP?

FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is a protocol for transferring files between your computer and the server. FTP users allow you to access your website to upload, download and manage files using an FTP client like FileZilla, WinSCP or file explorer.

Create an FTP user

1. Access cPanel

• Go to your cPanel panel
• Log in with your credentials

2. Go to FTP section

On the cPanel main page, look for the "Files" section and click on "FTP Accounts".

You can also search for it using the search box at the top of cPanel.

3. Create new FTP account

In the "Add FTP Account" section:

• Username: Enter the username (cPanel will automatically add your username as prefix)
• Domain: Select the domain for this FTP account
• Directory: The directory this user will have access to. By default it will be public_html or you can specify a subdirectory
• Quota: Maximum space (you can leave unlimited or specify MB/GB)
• Password: A secure password (or use the password generator)

Click "Create FTP Account".

FTP connection information

After creating the account, cPanel will show you connection information:

• Server/Host: Usually ftp.yourdomain.com or the server IP
• Username: The complete name with prefix (e.g., user1_ftpuser)
• Password: The one you configured
• Port: 21 for standard FTP, 22 for SFTP

Important: Save this information in a safe place.

Manage existing FTP accounts

See all accounts:

In the "FTP Accounts" section, you'll see a list of all created accounts with:

• Username
• Access directory
• Quota used
• Management options

Change password:

1. Find the account in the list
2. Click "Change Password"
3. Enter the new password
4. Confirm the change

Change quota:

1. Find the account in the list
2. Click "Change Quota"
3. Enter the new limit
4. Save changes

Change directory:

1. Find the account in the list
2. Click "Configure"
3. Modify the access directory
4. Save changes

Delete account:

1. Find the account in the list
2. Click "Delete"
3. Confirm deletion

Connect using FTP client

Using FileZilla (free):

1. Download and install FileZilla from filezilla-project.org
2. Open FileZilla
3. In the top bar, enter:
   • Host: ftp.yourdomain.com or the server IP
   • Username: The complete FTP username
   • Password: The password
   • Port: 21 for FTP or 22 for SFTP
4. Click "Quickconnect"

Using WinSCP (Windows):

1. Download WinSCP from winscp.net
2. Open WinSCP
3. Configure connection with the same data
4. Connect

Using file explorer (Windows):

1. Open File Explorer
2. In the address bar, type: ftp://ftp.yourdomain.com
3. Enter username and password when prompted

SFTP vs FTP

FTP (port 21):

• Standard protocol
• Not encrypted (less secure)
• Faster

SFTP (port 22):

• Secure protocol (encrypted)
• Recommended for greater security
• Uses SSH for connection

Recommendation: Use SFTP whenever possible for greater security.

Configure anonymous FTP access (not recommended)

Anonymous FTP access allows connecting without username and password. NOT recommended for security, but if you need to enable it:

1. In cPanel, search for "FTP Configuration"
2. Enable anonymous access if available
3. Configure restrictive permissions

Warning: Anonymous FTP access is a security risk. Only enable it if absolutely necessary.

Common problems

Error: "Connection refused" or "Connection timeout"

• Verify FTP server is active
• Verify port is not blocked by firewall
• Verify IP or hostname is correct
• Try SFTP (port 22) instead of FTP

Error: "Login incorrect" or "Authentication failed"

• Verify username and password are correct
• Verify you're using the complete name with prefix
• Verify there are no extra spaces

Error: "Permission denied"

• Verify FTP user has permissions in the directory
• Verify file and directory permissions
• Verify access directory is correct

Slow connection

• Try using SFTP instead of FTP
• Check your internet connection
• Use an FTP client that supports passive connections

FTP security

• Use SFTP: Always prefer SFTP over FTP
• Use secure passwords: Long and complex passwords
• Limit access: Only give access to necessary directory
• Delete unused accounts: Delete FTP accounts you no longer need
• Don't use anonymous FTP: Disable anonymous access
• Monitor access: Regularly review FTP access logs

Tips

• Use SFTP: It's more secure than FTP
• Create specific users: One FTP user per project or client
• Limit directories: Only give access to necessary directory
• Save credentials: Save connection information in a safe place
• Use FileZilla: It's a free and reliable FTP client
• Verify permissions: Make sure permissions are correct

Need help?

If you're having trouble managing FTP users in cPanel, open a ticket from the billing.baires.host panel or contact us for support.

You can also reach us through our social media:

• Instagram: @baires_host
• Discord (active support): https://discord.gg/dzjauatAFN
• Linktree: https://linktr.ee/baires.host