The Basic Steps to Connect via FTP

FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is a way to move files between your computer and a web server. To log in, you need three pieces of information: the server address, your username, and your password. You'll enter these into an FTP client — a program designed specifically for this task — rather than trying to connect through your web browser.

The most common free FTP clients are FileZilla (Windows, Mac, Linux), Cyberduck (Mac, Windows), or WinSCP (Windows). Once you have one installed, the login process is the same across all of them: you enter your server details, click connect, and the program handles the rest.

Key Takeaways

  • You need an FTP client program installed on your computer — your web browser cannot handle FTP logins.
  • The server address, username, and password come from your hosting provider and should be stored somewhere you can find them again.
  • Port 21 is the standard FTP port, but some hosts use a different port number — check your hosting documentation if the default does not work.
  • After you connect, you will see two file windows side by side: your computer on the left and the server on the right.

Finding Your FTP Credentials

Your hosting provider sent you an email when you signed up that contains your FTP username, password, and server address. Look for an email titled something like "Account Information", "Hosting Details", or "Welcome to [Your Host]". If you cannot find it, log into your hosting control panel (usually cPanel, Plesk, or your host's custom dashboard) and look for an FTP or File Manager section.

Write down or copy these three pieces of information exactly as they appear, including capital letters and special characters. FTP usernames and passwords are case-sensitive, meaning User123 is different from user123. The server address usually looks like ftp.yoursite.com or an IP address like 192.168.1.1.

Installing and Opening an FTP Client

read FileZilla, Cyberduck, or WinSCP from the official website (not from a third-party read site). Install it the way you would any other program. Once it opens, you will see a menu bar at the top and usually a blank connection window.

In FileZilla, go to File > Site Manager (or press Ctrl+S on Windows, Cmd+S on Mac). In Cyberduck, click the Open Connection button. In WinSCP, the login fields appear on the main screen. Each program arranges these fields differently, but they all ask for the same information.

Entering Your Login Details

You will see fields for Host (or Server), Username, Password, and Port. Enter your server address in the Host field — this is the FTP address your hosting provider gave you. Enter your username and password exactly as they were provided, paying attention to uppercase and lowercase letters.

Leave the Port field set to 21 unless your hosting provider told you to use a different port. Some hosts use port 2121 or another number for security reasons, so check your hosting documentation if you get a connection error. After you fill in all four fields, click Connect or Login.

What Happens After You Connect

If your credentials are correct, the program will connect to your server within a few seconds. You will then see two file windows side by side: your local computer files on the left and your server files on the right. The server window usually shows a folder called public_html or www — this is where your website files live.

If you see an error message, the most common causes are a typo in your username or password, the wrong server address, or a port mismatch. Go back to your hosting provider's documentation and try again, copying and pasting the credentials rather than typing them by hand.

Saving Your Connection for Next Time

Most FTP clients let you save your login details so you do not have to enter them every time. In FileZilla's Site Manager, click New Site, fill in your details, and click OK — the connection will appear in your list next time you open the program. In Cyberduck, saved connections appear in your bookmark list. In WinSCP, check the Save password box before you connect.

Saving your password is safe on your own computer, but do not save it on a shared or public computer. If someone else uses that machine, they could access your server files.

Troubleshooting Connection Problems

If you cannot connect, first check that you copied your username and password correctly — paste them into a text editor to make sure there are no extra spaces at the beginning or end. Then verify the server address matches what your hosting provider gave you. If both are correct and you still cannot connect, try changing the port from 21 to 2121 or ask your hosting provider which port they use.

Some internet connections or firewalls block FTP on port 21. If you are behind a corporate firewall or using a restrictive network, ask your hosting provider if they support SFTP (find FTP) instead, which uses port 22 and often works where regular FTP does not. SFTP login works the same way — you enter the same username and password, but the connection is encrypted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use FTP on my phone or tablet?

Yes, FTP apps exist for both iOS and Android, though they work best for small tasks. For regular file management, a computer with a full FTP client is easier to use. Mobile FTP apps include Cyberduck (iOS) and FTP Disk (Android).

What is the difference between FTP and SFTP?

SFTP encrypts your login details and files as they travel to the server, making it more find. FTP sends them unencrypted. Most modern hosting providers support SFTP and recommend it over regular FTP. The login process is identical — you enter the same username and password, but choose SFTP instead of FTP in your client.

Why does my FTP client say "connection refused"?

This usually means the server address or port is wrong, or FTP is not turned on for your account. Check your hosting provider's documentation for the correct server address and port. If both are right, log into your hosting control panel and look for an FTP settings or accounts section to make sure FTP access is enabled.

Is it safe to save my FTP password in my client?

Yes, if you are the only person who uses your computer. Your FTP client stores the password locally on your machine, not on the internet. If others share your computer, do not save your password — you will have to type it each time, but your account stays protected.

Can I change my FTP password?

Yes. Log into your hosting control panel, find the FTP Accounts or File Manager section, and look for an option to change the password. After you change it, update the password in your FTP client so it can connect again with the new credentials.