FileZilla is a free, popular FTP client for uploading and downloading website files. Connecting it to your hosting account takes only a few details from cPanel.
What You Need
Gather these from cPanel under FTP Accounts:
- Host: your domain name or the server hostname.
- Username: your full FTP username.
- Password: the FTP account password.
- Port: 21 for FTP, or 21 for FTPS with explicit encryption.
Connecting with Quick Connect
- Open FileZilla.
- Enter the Host, Username, and Password in the top bar.
- Set the Port to
21. - Click Quickconnect.
Quick Connect is fine for a one-off session. For regular use, save the details in Site Manager instead.
Using Site Manager
- Go to File then Site Manager and click New Site.
- Enter the host and port.
- Set Encryption to "Require explicit FTP over TLS" for a secure connection.
- Set Logon Type to Normal and enter your username and password.
- Click Connect.
Uploading Files
Once connected, your computer is on the left and the server is on the right. Open public_html on the server side, then drag files from the left to the right to upload them. To download, drag from right to left.
Troubleshooting
- Cannot connect: check the host, username, and that the password is correct.
- Connection refused: confirm the port and try FTPS.
- Timeouts: switch FileZilla to passive mode under settings.
If the connection still fails, contact support on WhatsApp at +254 796 358081 with the exact error message shown in the FileZilla log.