FileZilla Authentication Failed Error
Fix 530 login errors and credential issues
Common Error Messages
Error: Critical error: Could not connect to server
Error: Access denied
If you see any of these errors, your username or password is incorrect, or there's an account configuration issue.
✓ Quick Checklist
Solution 1: Verify Your Credentials
📋 Double-Check Username & Password
- Find your credentials:
- Check welcome email from hosting provider
- Log into hosting control panel (cPanel, Plesk, etc.)
- Look in FTP Accounts section
- Type credentials manually instead of copy/paste (eliminates hidden characters/spaces)
- Check for case sensitivity: Username and password are case-sensitive
- Verify username format:
Some hosts require specific formats:
username(simple)username@yourdomain.com(domain suffix)yourdomain.com|username(domain prefix)
💡 Pro Tip: Test in a Text Editor First
- Copy your password from the source
- Paste it into Notepad/TextEdit
- Check for extra spaces at the beginning or end
- Copy from Notepad, paste into FileZilla
Solution 2: Use the Correct Protocol
Different protocols require different credentials and settings. Make sure you're using the right one.
FTP / FTPS
Protocol: FTP - File Transfer Protocol
Port: 21 (or 990 for implicit FTPS)
Credentials: FTP username & password
→ FTP setup guideSFTP
Protocol: SFTP - SSH File Transfer Protocol
Port: 22
Credentials: SSH username & password (or SSH key)
→ SFTP setup guide⚠️ Common Mistake
Trying to use FTP credentials with SFTP (or vice versa). They're separate protocols with separate accounts!
How to Check Which Protocol to Use
- Check your hosting provider's documentation
- Look at the credentials they provided - they usually specify FTP or SSH/SFTP
- If you have SSH access to your server, use SFTP (port 22)
- If in doubt, try FTP first (port 21), then SFTP (port 22)
Solution 3: Reset Your FTP Password
If you've tried everything and still can't log in, reset your password.
cPanel (Most Common)
- Log into cPanel
Usually at https://yourdomain.com:2083 or through your hosting provider's client area
- Find "FTP Accounts" (under Files section)
- Locate your FTP account in the list
- Click "Change Password"
- Enter a new password
Use a password generator for a strong, random password
- Save and test the new credentials in FileZilla
Plesk
- Log into Plesk control panel
- Go to Websites & Domains
- Click FTP Access
- Click on the FTP account username
- Enter new password and save
Other Control Panels
Look for sections labeled:
- FTP Accounts
- FTP Management
- File Manager → FTP
- Users → FTP Users
Can't find it? Contact your hosting provider's support team.
Solution 4: Check Account Status
⚠️ Account Suspended
Causes:
- Overdue payment
- Terms of service violation
- Excessive resource usage
- Security concerns
Solution: Check your hosting account dashboard for suspension notices and contact support.
❌ Account Expired
If your hosting plan expired, FTP access is typically disabled. Renew your hosting plan to restore access.
🔒 FTP Account Disabled
Check if the specific FTP account is disabled:
- Log into your hosting control panel
- Go to FTP Accounts
- Look for "Status" or "Active/Inactive" column
- Re-enable the account if it's disabled
🌍 IP Address Restrictions
Some servers restrict FTP access to specific IP addresses.
Solution: Check your control panel for "FTP IP Whitelist" or contact your host to add your IP address.
Find your IP: Google "what is my ip" or visit whatismyip.com
Solution 5: Handle Special Characters in Password
Some special characters can cause authentication issues:
Problematic characters:
@ # $ % ^ & * ( ) [ ] | \ / : ; " ' < > , ?Solution 1: URL Encode
If your password is Pass@123, try entering it as Pass%40123(@ = %40)
Solution 2: Change Password
Use only alphanumeric characters and basic symbols like - and_
SFTP-Specific Authentication Issues
🔑 SSH Key Authentication
If using SSH keys instead of passwords:
- Verify the key file path is correct in Site Manager
- Ensure the key file has correct permissions (read-only)
- Make sure the public key is added to
~/.ssh/authorized_keyson server - Check if your key requires a passphrase (enter in FileZilla if prompted)
🚫 Server Denies SSH Access
Some shared hosting providers don't offer SSH/SFTP access. Check with your host if SFTP is available, or use FTP/FTPS instead.
Still Can't Log In?
Provide them with:
- The exact error message from FileZilla
- Your FTP username (NOT password!)
- The protocol you're trying to use (FTP/SFTP/FTPS)
- When the issue started
If you have access to server logs (cPanel → FTP Logs), check for login attempt details and error reasons.
Test with another FTP client (like WinSCP or Cyberduck) to rule out FileZilla-specific issues.
→ FileZilla alternatives✓ Login Successful?
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my FTP login keep failing with correct credentials?
This can happen if you're copying credentials with extra spaces, using the wrong username (check if it requires domain prefix like "user@domain.com"), or if your hosting account is suspended. Copy credentials carefully and verify your account status.
What does "530 Login incorrect" mean?
Error 530 means authentication failed - the server rejected your username/password combination. Double-check credentials, ensure CAPS LOCK is off, and verify your account is active.
Can special characters in passwords cause login issues?
Yes! Some special characters may not be handled correctly. If your password has unusual characters (&, %, #, etc.), try changing it to use only letters, numbers, and basic symbols.
How do I reset my FTP password?
Log into your web hosting control panel (cPanel, Plesk, etc.) and look for "FTP Accounts" or "FTP Management". You can reset the password there. Contact your hosting provider if you need help.