FTP accounts in aaPanel-create and connect
Create FTP accounts in aaPanel, set directory restrictions, and connect using FileZilla. Use FTP for bulk file uploads and efficient site management on your ...
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FTP in aaPanel requires the FTP server module to be installed separately from the App Store. Once installed, you can create multiple FTP accounts with directory-level access restrictions.
Install the FTP module
- Log in to aaPanel and go to App Store
- Search for Pure-Ftpd or FTP
- Click Install next to the FTP server
- Wait for installation to complete
After installation, the FTP section appears in the left sidebar.
Create an FTP account
- Go to aaPanel → FTP
- Click Add FTP
- Fill in:
- Username: The FTP account username
- Password: A strong password
- Root directory: Set this to the site directory this account should access (e.g.,
/www/wwwroot/yourdomain.com). Restricting access to just one site's folder is more secure than giving access to all of/www/wwwroot/
- Click Submit
The FTP account is active immediately.
Connect with FileZilla
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Protocol | FTP – File Transfer Protocol |
| Host | Your server's IP address |
| Port | 21 |
| Encryption | Use explicit FTP over TLS if available |
| Username | The FTP username you created |
| Password | The FTP account password |
In FileZilla: File → Site Manager → New Site. Fill in the settings, click Connect.
Plain FTP sends your password unencrypted. If your VPS has SSH access enabled, you can connect via SFTP (port 22) using your server's Linux username and password instead. SFTP encrypts all data including credentials. In FileZilla, set Protocol to SFTP – SSH File Transfer Protocol and use port 22.
Manage FTP accounts
Go to aaPanel → FTP to see all FTP accounts. From here you can:
- Change password: Click the password icon next to an account
- Change root directory: Click the edit icon to update the accessible folder
- Disable/enable: Toggle access without deleting the account
- Delete: Permanently remove the FTP account (does not delete files)
FTP troubleshooting
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Connection refused on port 21 | Port 21 may be blocked. Open it in aaPanel firewall: Security → Firewall → add port 21 |
| Authentication failed | Wrong username or password. Reset in aaPanel FTP section |
| Passive mode error | In FileZilla: Edit → Settings → FTP → Transfer Mode → set to Passive. Also ensure passive ports are open in the aaPanel firewall |
| Connected but directory is empty | The root directory path may be wrong-check the FTP account's root directory in aaPanel |
| FTP not listed in aaPanel | The FTP module is not installed. Go to App Store and install Pure-Ftpd |
Related: aaPanel File Manager | Create website in aaPanel | DirectAdmin FTP | cPanel FTP
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