FTP accounts in DirectAdmin-create and connect
Create FTP accounts in DirectAdmin, set directory restrictions, and connect using FileZilla. Use SFTP for secure file transfers on your DirectAdmin hosting a...
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DirectAdmin includes FTP account management under your hosting panel. You can create multiple FTP users, each restricted to a specific directory, and connect with any standard FTP client.
Create an FTP account
- Log in to DirectAdmin
- Go to Your Account → FTP Management
- Click Create FTP Account
- Enter a username, password, and set the home directory (the folder this account can access)
- Click Create
Set the home directory to domains/yourdomain.com/public_html to give access only to the website root. This is safer than giving access to the entire account home directory.
Connect with FileZilla
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Protocol | FTP – File Transfer Protocol |
| Host | Your server hostname or IP (from welcome email / CustomerPanel) |
| Port | 21 |
| Encryption | Use explicit FTP over TLS if available (recommended) |
| Username | The FTP username you created |
| Password | The FTP account password |
In FileZilla: open File → Site Manager → New Site, fill in the settings above, and click Connect.
Use SFTP instead of FTP
SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol) is more secure than plain FTP-it encrypts all data including your password. To use SFTP in FileZilla:
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Protocol | SFTP – SSH File Transfer Protocol |
| Host | Your server hostname or IP |
| Port | 22 (or custom SSH port if changed) |
| Username | Your DirectAdmin hosting username |
| Password | Your DirectAdmin account password |
SFTP connects via SSH using your main DirectAdmin account username and password. Separate FTP accounts created in DirectAdmin are for FTP (port 21) only. Standard shared hosting plans do not include SSH/SFTP access—use FTP instead. SSH/SFTP is only available with Cloud VPS or Dedicated Server plans.
Manage and delete FTP accounts
To list, edit, or delete FTP accounts: go to Your Account → FTP Management. Click Edit next to an account to change its password or directory. Click Delete to remove it.
Deleting an FTP account does not delete any files-it only removes the login credentials.
Troubleshooting FTP connections
| Problem | Likely cause and fix |
|---|---|
| Connection refused on port 21 | Some ISPs block FTP. Try using SFTP (port 22) or switch to a different network |
| Authentication failed | Wrong username or password-FTP username may be different from your main account username |
| Connected but cannot see files | The FTP account home directory is set to the wrong folder-edit it in FTP Management |
| Passive mode errors | In FileZilla: Edit → Settings → FTP → Transfer Mode → set to Passive |
| Certificate warning in FileZilla | Accept the server certificate if you trust the server-this is normal for shared hosting certificates |
Related: DirectAdmin File Manager | DirectAdmin overview | cPanel FTP
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