cPanel guide
How to Create an FTP Account in cPanel
In short
In cPanel, open Files > FTP Accounts, enter a login and a strong password, set the directory to public_html if the account needs your website files, and click Create FTP Account. Then connect with an FTP client such as FileZilla, using explicit FTP over TLS.
FTP accounts let you, or a developer, upload files in bulk without logging in to cPanel. Give each person their own account, so you can remove their access later without changing anyone else's password.
1. Log in to the Client Portal
Log in to the Client Portal, open Services > My Services and click the hosting package you want to set up FTP for.
2. Open cPanel
On the product page, find the Actions panel on the left and click Log in to cPanel. It signs you straight in, with no separate cPanel password.
3. Open FTP Accounts
In cPanel, scroll to the Files section and click FTP Accounts.
4. Create the account
Fill in the Add FTP Account form:
- Log In: a username such as
developer. cPanel adds your domain, so the full login becomes [email protected]. - Password: use the Password Generator and save the result in a password manager.
- Directory: cPanel fills in a folder named after the new user, and the account can only reach that folder. To give access to your website files, change it to
public_html. - Quota: leave it at Unlimited unless you want to cap how much the account can upload.
Click Create FTP Account.
5. Install an FTP client
FileZilla is free and runs on Windows, macOS and Linux. Download it only from the official site, filezilla-project.org, and decline any bundled offers during the install.
6. Connect over FTPS
The Quickconnect bar at the top works for a one-off connection. For anything you'll reuse, open File > Site Manager, which lets you choose encryption:
- Protocol: FTP
- Host: your domain, such as yourdomain.co.uk
- Encryption: Require explicit FTP over TLS
- Logon type: Normal
- User: the full login, such as [email protected]
- Password: the one you saved
Port 21 is the default, so you can leave the port empty. If FileZilla shows a certificate warning the first time, check the details and accept it.
7. Upload your files
The left pane shows your computer and the right pane shows the server. Open public_html on the right, find your files on the left and drag them across. The queue at the bottom shows progress and any failed transfers.
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See hosting plansQuestions
What do I use as the FTP host?
Usually your domain, such as yourdomain.co.uk. If the domain doesn't point at our servers yet, use the server name from your hosting welcome email.
Is plain FTP safe?
Plain FTP sends your password and files unencrypted. In FileZilla, choose "Require explicit FTP over TLS" so the connection is encrypted.
Why can't I see my website files?
The account's directory is probably its own folder rather than public_html. Delete the account and create it again with the directory set to public_html.
Can I limit a developer to one folder?
Yes. Set the directory to that folder when you create the account, and they can't see anything above it.