Where your hosting provider stores your FTP credentials

Your FTP username and password are almost always in your hosting account's control panel, not in an email you can search for. The exact location depends on which hosting company you use, but the pattern is the same: log into your account, find the section labeled FTP, File Manager, or Accounts, and your credentials will be there.

If you cannot remember your hosting account password, you will need to reset it first. Most hosting companies have a "Forgot Password" link on their login page that sends a reset link to the email address on file. Once you are back in your account, finding your FTP details usually takes less than a minute.

Key Takeaways

  • Your FTP username and password live in your hosting control panel under a section called FTP, File Manager, or Accounts — not in your email.
  • If you have lost your hosting account password, use the "Forgot Password" link on your hosting provider's login page to reset it.
  • Most hosting companies show your FTP username automatically, but the password may be hidden or may need to be reset if you have forgotten it.
  • Some hosting providers create FTP accounts separately from your main hosting account, so you may need to look in a subsection or create a new one.
  • Write down your FTP credentials in a password manager once you find them, so you do not have to dig through your control panel again.

Finding FTP credentials in cPanel (the most common control panel)

If your hosting uses cPanel, log in with your hosting account username and password. Look for an icon or section called "FTP Accounts" or "FTP Manager" — it is usually in the Files section of the dashboard. Click it, and you will see a list of FTP accounts associated with your hosting.

The default FTP account is usually named something like username@yourdomain.com or just username, where username is the main account name your hosting company gave you. The username will be visible, but the password may show as dots or may not display at all for security reasons.

If you need the password and it is not shown, look for a button labeled "Change Password" or "Reset Password" next to the account name. Click it to set a new FTP password. You will see the new password on the next screen — copy it when ready and store it somewhere safe, because most hosting companies do not show it again.

Finding FTP credentials in Plesk (another common control panel)

Plesk users should log into their hosting account and look for "FTP Accounts" or "FTP Users" in the left sidebar, usually under Files or Websites. Click that section and you will see your FTP account listed with the username visible.

Like cPanel, Plesk typically hides the password for security. If you need to see or change it, click the account name or look for an edit icon, then select "Change Password" or "Set Password". The new password will appear once, so copy it right away.

What to do if you cannot find an FTP section in your control panel

Some hosting companies use a different control panel layout or call the section by a different name. Look for sections labeled "File Manager", "Accounts", "Users", or "Server Access". If you still cannot find it, check your hosting company's help documentation — search their site for "FTP username" or "FTP password" and they will usually have a step-by-step guide specific to their control panel.

If your hosting company does not show an existing FTP account, you may need to create one. Most control panels have a button like "Create FTP Account" or "Add FTP User" in the same section. You will be asked to choose a username and password, and the system will generate your FTP credentials on the spot.

Storing your FTP credentials safely after you find them

Once you have your FTP username and password, do not leave them in a text file on your desktop or in an unencrypted email. Use a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or KeePass to store them. Password managers encrypt your credentials and let you retrieve them whenever you need them without having to log back into your hosting control panel.

If you use the same FTP password across multiple accounts or servers, change that now. Each FTP account should have its own unique password. If someone gains access to one account, a unique password limits the damage to just that one server.

Resetting your FTP password if you have forgotten it

You do not need to contact your hosting company's support team to reset an FTP password. Log into your hosting control panel, navigate to the FTP section, find the account you need, and click "Change Password" or "Reset Password". Set a new password and save it when ready — you will not be shown it again.

If you have also forgotten your hosting account password and cannot log into the control panel at all, then you do need to contact support. Use the "Forgot Password" link on your hosting provider's main login page, or call their support line. They will verify your identity and help you reset your hosting account password so you can get back in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my FTP username the same as my hosting account username?

Usually yes, but not always. Your hosting account username and your default FTP username are often the same, but some hosting companies create them separately. Check your control panel to see what your actual FTP username is — do not assume.

Can I have more than one FTP account?

Yes. Most hosting companies let you create multiple FTP accounts, each with its own username and password. This is useful if you want to give different people access to different folders on your server without sharing one master password.

What if my hosting company does not have a control panel I can access?

Contact your hosting provider's support team. Give them your hosting account email address and ask them to send you your FTP username and password, or to reset your password so you can log into the control panel yourself.

Do I need to change my FTP password regularly?

You do not need to change it on a schedule, but you should change it if you think someone else may know it, if you have shared it with someone who no longer needs access, or if you have not changed it in several years. A strong, unique password matters more than how often you change it.