How to Create an FTP Account and Upload Files

Upload your website with FileZilla or another FTP client.

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FTP lets you transfer files between your computer and your hosting account. It’s the classic way to upload a website built on your own computer.

Create an FTP account

  1. Log in to cPanel and open Files → FTP Accounts.
  2. Enter a Log In name and choose the domain.
  3. Set a strong Password.
  4. Set the Directory the account can access. For your main site, use public_html. Leaving it limited to one folder is safest for accounts you give to others.
  5. Click Create FTP Account.

Connect with an FTP client

In the FTP Accounts list, click Configure FTP Client next to the account to see its exact settings. In a client such as FileZilla, enter:

  • Host: the server shown on the configure page (often ftp.yourdomain.com)
  • Username: the full FTP username, including @yourdomain.com
  • Password: the password you set
  • Port: 21, using explicit FTP over TLS for an encrypted connection

Your website’s public files go in the public_html folder.

Tip: Your main cPanel username and password also work for FTP and give access to your whole account. Create separate, limited FTP accounts for designers or developers.

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Our team is available 24/7. Submit a support ticket or call 877.821.HOST and we’ll walk you through it — or do it for you.