How to Upload Files to Your Website Using FTP (FileZilla) via cPanel

FTP (File Transfer Protocol) lets you transfer files between your computer and your hosting account using dedicated software like FileZilla. FTP is faster than cPanel File Manager for large files and multiple uploads.

Step 1: Find Your FTP Credentials

1. Log in to your cPanel account.
2. Go to Files → FTP Accounts.
3. Your main FTP account is listed at the top with your cPanel username.
4. Note the following:
   • Server/Host: ftp.yourdomain.com or your server IP
   • Username: your cPanel username or the FTP username
   • Password: your cPanel password (or the FTP account password)
   • Port: 21
5. You can also click Configure FTP Client to download a pre-configured XML file for FileZilla.

Step 2: Download and Install FileZilla

1. Download FileZilla from filezilla-project.org (choose the Client version, not Server).
2. Install it on your computer (available for Windows, Mac, and Linux).

Step 3: Connect to Your Server

1. Open FileZilla.
2. Enter the connection details at the top:
   • Host: ftp.yourdomain.com
   • Username: your cPanel username
   • Password: your cPanel password
   • Port: 21
3. Click Quickconnect.
4. The right panel will show your server files. Navigate to public_html for your website files.

Step 4: Upload Files

1. In the left panel, browse to the files on your computer that you want to upload.
2. In the right panel, navigate to the destination folder on the server (typically public_html).
3. Drag and drop files from the left panel to the right panel.
4. Wait for the transfer to complete — you will see progress in the bottom panel.

Important Notes

• Always upload website files to the public_html directory. Files outside this folder are not accessible via the web.
• Use SFTP (port 22) instead of FTP for a secure encrypted connection. In FileZilla, change the protocol from "FTP" to "SFTP".
• Your main FTP account has access to all files. To restrict access, create a dedicated FTP account in cPanel → FTP Accounts and limit it to a specific directory.
• FileZilla remembers your connections — next time, select your site from the Site Manager (the icon next to Quickconnect).

Troubleshooting

• "Connection refused" or "Connection timed out": FTP may be blocked by your local firewall or ISP. Try using SFTP on port 22 instead — it uses SSH which is usually allowed. Also check that FTP is enabled in WHM → Service Manager.
• "530 Login authentication failed": Double-check your FTP username and password. Use your cPanel username and password (not your email credentials). If you created a separate FTP account, use that username/password instead.
• Can see files but cannot upload or delete: Check file and folder permissions. The FTP user must have write permission. Also check that your disk quota is not full.
• Upload is very slow: FTP can be slow on large files over long-distance connections. Try SFTP instead, or compress files into a ZIP before uploading.
• "Could not retrieve directory listing" error: Your firewall may be blocking passive FTP mode. In FileZilla, go to Edit → Settings → Connection → FTP and ensure "Passive mode" is selected.

Need help? Contact our support team.