FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is an older, unencrypted protocol for transferring files between your computer and a server.
FTP, short for File Transfer Protocol, is one of the oldest ways to move files to and from a web server. You open an FTP program on your computer, connect to your hosting account with a username and password, and drag files across, much like copying between folders.
For example, you might use FTP to upload a new theme, replace a broken plugin folder or download a copy of your site's files before making changes.
How FTP works
An FTP program, called a client, connects to the FTP server on your hosting account. You need four things:
- Host: usually your domain name or the server's hostname.
- Username and password: an FTP account you create in your control panel.
- Port: 21 for FTP.
Once connected, you see your local files on one side and the server's files on the other. FileZilla, Cyberduck and WinSCP are popular free clients.
FTP vs SFTP vs FTPS
Plain FTP sends everything, including your password, in readable text. Anyone able to watch the network between you and the server could capture it. That's why it's considered unsafe today.
- SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol) runs over SSH, usually on port 22. It encrypts both your login and your files. Despite the name, it's a different protocol from FTP.
- FTPS is FTP with TLS encryption added, similar to how HTTPS adds encryption to HTTP.
Both are safe. SFTP is generally simpler because it uses a single connection and works well through firewalls. Most FTP clients support all three, so switching is usually just a matter of changing the protocol and port.
Common FTP problems
- Connection refused or timed out: wrong port, wrong host or a firewall blocking the connection.
- Login failed: FTP usernames often include the domain, such as
name@example.com. - Wrong folder: website files usually live in
public_html, not the folder you land in. - Permission errors: files uploaded with the wrong permissions may not load, or may be writable by too many users.
- Passive mode issues: plain FTP opens extra connections for data, which some networks block. Switching to passive mode or to SFTP often fixes it.
Alternatives to FTP
You don't always need an FTP client. The File Manager in cPanel lets you upload, edit and extract files in your browser. Developers often use Git or deployment tools over SSH instead. For large moves between hosts, a managed migration saves time.
On AblePage, SSH and SFTP access come with every plan, so you can use an encrypted connection from the start.