How to connect to your hosting with FileZilla

This guide shows how to connect the free FileZilla program to your hosting so you can upload and download files.

Choose how to connect

FileZilla can connect in three ways:

• FTPS (FTP over TLS). Normal FTP with encryption. This is the best choice for most people.
• SFTP. Uses your SSH login instead of an FTP account. It is encrypted and works well if you already use SSH. See how to connect to your hosting with SSH.
• Plain FTP. Not encrypted, so your password is sent in readable form. Only use it if the other two won’t connect.

Get the right settings from cPanel

Don’t guess the server name or port. Copy them from cPanel so they match your account exactly.

1. Log in to cPanel. See how to log in to cPanel.
2. In the Files section, click FTP Accounts.
3. Scroll down to the list of accounts and click Configure FTP Client next to the account you want to use.
4. Note the FTP Username, FTP server and FTP & explicit FTPS port shown there.

The FTP username is usually in the form name@yourdomain.co.uk, not just a name. The password is the one you set for that FTP account. If you’ve forgotten it, click Change Password next to the account in the same list.

Connect in FileZilla

1. Download FileZilla Client from the official FileZilla website and install it.
2. Open FileZilla and click File, then Site Manager.
3. Click New site and give it a name, such as My website.
4. Set Protocol to FTP - File Transfer Protocol.
5. Set Encryption to Require explicit FTP over TLS.
6. In Host, type the FTP server from cPanel. In Port, type the port from cPanel.
7. Set Logon Type to Normal, then enter the FTP username and password.
8. Click Connect.

Your computer’s files appear on the left and your hosting’s files on the right. Your website files usually live in public_html. Drag files between the two sides to upload or download them.

The first time you connect, FileZilla may show a certificate box. Check the details look like your server, tick Always trust this certificate and click OK.

If it doesn’t work

• Login incorrect. Check you’re using the full FTP username from cPanel, including the @yourdomain.co.uk part. Reset the password in FTP Accounts if you’re not sure.
• Connection timed out. Check the host and port match cPanel exactly. Some office or public networks block FTP, so try another connection.
• It worked before and suddenly stopped. Several failed logins in a row can make our firewall block your IP address. Find your IP address by searching “what is my IP” and send it to us in a ticket so we can check.
• Uploads fail partway. Your account may be at its disk space limit, or the FTP account may have a quota. Check both in cPanel.

Good to know

For a few files, cPanel’s File Manager is often quicker. See how to upload files with File Manager or FTP. To give someone else their own login, see how to create an FTP account.

Still stuck? Open a support ticket and we’ll help.