How to create an FTP account

This guide shows how to create an extra FTP login so someone else, such as a web designer, can upload files without having your cPanel password.

Why use a separate FTP account

Giving out your cPanel password lets the other person change everything, including email, databases and backups. An FTP account only lets them work with files, and you can limit it to one folder. When the work is finished, you can delete the account without changing any of your own passwords.

Create the account

1. Log in to cPanel. See how to log in to cPanel.
2. In the Files section, click FTP Accounts.
3. In Log In, type a name for the account, such as designer.
4. If you have more than one domain, pick the right one from the Domain list. The full username will be the name plus @ and the domain, for example designer@yourdomain.co.uk.
5. Enter a strong password twice, or click Password Generator to make one.
6. Set the Directory (see below).
7. Set the Quota (see below).
8. Click Create FTP Account.

Limit the account to one folder

The Directory box decides which folder the account can see. cPanel fills it in automatically based on the name you typed, which is often not what you want, so check it before saving.

• To give access to the whole website, set it to public_html.
• To give access to just one part, set it to that folder, for example public_html/shop.
• To give access to an add-on domain, use that domain’s own folder. You’ll find it listed in cPanel under Domains.

The person using the account can see that folder and anything inside it, but nothing above it. Wording and layout in cPanel may vary slightly.

Set a quota

The Quota is the most disk space this FTP account can use, in megabytes. Unlimited means it can use any space left on your hosting. If the person only needs to upload a few files, a quota stops them filling your account by mistake. The quota does not add space to your plan.

Give them the details

Click Configure FTP Client next to the new account in the list. This shows the server name, username and port. Send these to the other person along with the password, ideally by a different route, such as the password by text message and the rest by email. They can then follow how to connect with FileZilla.

If it doesn’t work

• They can’t log in. Check they’re using the full username, including @yourdomain.co.uk. You can reset the password with Change Password next to the account.
• They see the wrong files. Click Change Directory next to the account (wording may vary) and set the correct folder. If it isn’t available, delete the account and create it again.
• Uploads stop with a disk error. They may have reached their quota. Click Change Quota and raise it.

Good to know

When the work is done, click Delete next to the account. You’ll be asked whether to delete the files too. Choose to keep them unless you’re sure, as the account’s folder may be your live website.

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