Connect to FTP Server with FileZilla
Complete FTP connection tutorial with Quick Connect and Site Manager
FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is the original method for transferring files between computers. While less secure than SFTP or FTPS, FTP is still widely used and supported by most hosting providers. This guide covers everything you need to connect to an FTP server using FileZilla.
⚠️Security Warning
Standard FTP is NOT encrypted. Your username, password, and all data are sent in plain text.
Recommended alternatives:
- SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol) - Most secure, modern standard
- FTPS (FTP over SSL/TLS) - Encrypted FTP
What You Need
Your hosting provider or server administrator should give you these FTP credentials:
Examples: ftp.yoursite.com,192.168.1.100
Your FTP account username (sometimes the same as your hosting username)
Your FTP account password
Usually 21 (default). Only specify if your provider says otherwise.
Method 1: Quick Connect (One-Time Connection)
Quick Connect is perfect for testing connections or one-time access. For regular connections, use Site Manager (Method 2) instead.
- 1
Open FileZilla
Launch FileZilla Client. You'll see the Quick Connect bar at the top.
- 2
Enter Connection Details
Host:ftp.yoursite.comUsername:yourusernamePassword:yourpasswordPort:21(or leave blank)Note: Don't include "ftp://" prefix in the host field. FileZilla adds it automatically.
- 3
Click Quickconnect
Press the Quickconnect button (or press Enter).
FileZilla will attempt to connect. Watch the message log (top panel) for status updates.
- ✓
Connected!
When connected successfully:
- Remote Site files appear in the right panel
- Status shows "Directory listing of "/" successful"
- You can now drag-and-drop files between local and remote
Method 2: Site Manager (Recommended for Regular Use)
Site Manager saves your connection settings for easy reconnection. Use this if you connect to the same server regularly.
- 1
Open Site Manager
Go to File → Site Manager (or press Ctrl+S)
- 2
Create New Site
Click New Site button
Give it a meaningful name like "My Website" or "Client XYZ Server"
- 3
Configure General Tab
Protocol:Select
FTP - File Transfer ProtocolHost:Enter
ftp.yoursite.com(your FTP server address)Port:Enter
21(or leave blank for default)Encryption:Select
Use plain FTP (insecure)⚠️ For encrypted connections, use SFTP or FTPS instead
Logon Type:Select
NormalUser:Enter your FTP username
Password:Enter your FTP password
- 4
Configure Transfer Settings (Optional)
Click the Transfer Settings tab
Transfer mode:Select
Passive(recommended for most setups)→ If you get "Failed to retrieve directory listing" errors,learn about passive vs active mode
- 5
Connect
Click Connect to establish the connection
💡 Pro Tip
Your site is now saved! Next time, just open Site Manager (Ctrl+S) and double-click your saved site to connect instantly.
Understanding the FTP Connection Interface
📊 Message Log (Top Panel)
Shows connection status and FTP server responses:
📁 Local Site (Left Side)
Files on your computer. Navigate to the folder containing files you want to upload.
🌐 Remote Site (Right Side)
Files on the FTP server. This is where your website files are stored (usually in folders likepublic_html,www, orhtdocs).
⏳ Transfer Queue (Bottom Panel)
Shows active file transfers, queued transfers, and transfer history.
Troubleshooting FTP Connections
❌ Connection timed out
Possible causes:
- Wrong server address or port
- Firewall blocking FileZilla
- Server is down
❌ 530 Login authentication failed
Solution:
- Double-check username and password (case-sensitive!)
- Verify credentials with your hosting provider
- Try resetting your FTP password in hosting control panel
❌ Failed to retrieve directory listing
Solution:
- Switch to Passive mode in Transfer Settings
- If passive doesn't work, try Active mode
- Allow FileZilla through your firewall
⚠️ Insecure server warning
This is normal for plain FTP - your connection is not encrypted. Consider using SFTP or FTPS for sensitive data.
What's Next?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is FTP secure?
No, standard FTP is not secure. Usernames, passwords, and data are sent unencrypted. Use SFTP or FTPS for secure connections, especially on public networks.
What port does FTP use?
FTP uses port 21 for commands and port 20 for data in active mode. In passive mode, data connections use high ports (typically 1024-65535).
Can I use FTP without a password?
Yes, this is called "anonymous FTP". Select "Anonymous" as the logon type. However, most modern servers require credentials for security.
Why can't I see my files after connecting?
This is usually a passive/active mode issue. Go to Site Manager → Transfer Settings and switch to Passive mode.