FTP and SFTP access on cPanel: upload your files
Connect with SFTP or FTP, create limited FTP accounts in cPanel, choose the correct document root, set quotas, remove unused users,
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FTP lets you upload, download, and manage website files with a desktop client such as FileZilla. For most users, cPanel File Manager is easiest for quick edits, while FTP is better for larger uploads and ongoing development. Note: shared hosting accounts use FTP (port 21) — SFTP requires SSH access which is only available on VPS and dedicated servers.
FTP vs FTPS vs SFTP
| Protocol | Common port | Encrypted? | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| SFTP | 22 | Yes | Preferred when available. |
| FTPS | 21 or 990 | Yes | Good alternative for FTP accounts. |
| FTP | 21 | No | Avoid unless no encrypted option is available. |
SFTP requires SSH access, which is not available on shared hosting. On shared hosting, use FTP or FTPS (port 21). SFTP (port 22) is only available on Cloud VPS and Dedicated Server plans.
Main account access
Your main cPanel username can access the full hosting file tree by FTP or FTPS. Use the server hostname from CustomerPanel or your welcome email when possible.
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Host | Your server hostname, domain, or server IP |
| Protocol | FTP or FTPS (SFTP is not available on shared hosting) |
| Username | Your cPanel username |
| Password | Your cPanel password |
| Website folder | public_html or the domain's document root |
Create an additional FTP account
Create separate FTP users for developers, designers, or access instead of sharing your main cPanel password.
- Log in to cPanel.
- Open Files and choose FTP Accounts.
- Enter a username and select the domain if cPanel asks.
- Set a strong password.
- Choose the directory the FTP user can access.
- Optionally set a quota.
- Click Create FTP Account.
Choose the right directory
The directory controls what the FTP user can see and change. Be deliberate:
/home/username/public_htmlgives access to the main website files.- A subfolder such as
/home/username/public_html/staginglimits access to one area. - For an addon domain, use the document root shown in cPanel Domains.
- Avoid giving contractors access to the account home directory unless they truly need it.
Connect with FileZilla
- Open FileZilla.
- Go to File and choose Site Manager.
- Click New Site.
- Select the protocol: FTP with Encryption set to Use explicit FTP over TLS if available (SFTP is not available on shared hosting).
- Enter the host, port, username, and password.
- Click Connect.
Your local computer appears on the left and the server appears on the right. Upload website files into public_html or the correct domain document root.
Manage FTP users
In FTP Accounts, you can change passwords, adjust quotas, configure FTP client settings, or delete users. Delete unused FTP accounts as soon as a project or is finished.
Removing the FTP login only removes access. It does not remove the files inside the directory. Always verify the option shown by cPanel before confirming destructive actions.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | What to check |
|---|---|
| Authentication failed | Use the exact FTP username shown in cPanel. Subaccounts may include the domain. |
| Connection timed out | Try the server hostname, confirm the port, and test from another network. |
| Directory is empty | The FTP account may be restricted to the wrong folder. |
| Uploaded file does not show online | Confirm you uploaded to the domain's document root, not the account home directory. |
| Too many failed logins | Wait before retrying or open a ticket if your IP appears blocked. |
Related: cPanel File Manager: upload, edit, organize, and delete files | How to change your cPanel password | How to create and manage addon domains in cPanel | How to secure your website | How to upload your website to UnderHost shared hosting
Need cPanel hosting or licensing?
Use UnderHost cPanel hosting or add cPanel/WHM to a VPS or dedicated server for familiar website, email, DNS, and database management.
