How to upload file via FTP in cPanel

You may have heard of FTP—File Transfer Protocol. FTP moves files from your local computer to your domain name, just like uploading them using the File Manager in cPanel. FTP loads larger files faster than File Manager. However, FTP is not a secure method of file transfer. Malicious attacks often target FTP.

SSH File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) is a secure file transfer protocol similar to FTP. SFTP performs the same functions as FTP over an SSH connection. Like FTP, you need a desktop FTP client to use SFTP. This is different from File Manager, where you can upload files from any computer with an internet connection. Most FTP clients, like Filezilla, CoreFTP, and Cyberduck support SFTP. We recommend using SFTP if you have a Linux server.

However, SFTP is not supported on Windows servers. Instead, it is best to use FTPS, i.e. FTP using SSL. Most people use an FTP client to upload files using FTP, SFTP, and FTPS. To do this, you need to download the FTP client, configure your FTP client, and then upload the files you need.

Download your FTP Client

To upload files to your domain, you need to connect your local computer to the server securely. You do this by downloading an FTP client. You can choose any FTP client you want, some popular programs include Filezilla and Cyberduck. If you’ve never used FTP before, using one of these clients will make it easier to set up.

Each customer has different download and installation instructions. Follow the usual procedure to download and install the software to your computer.

• Download Filezilla

Configure your FTP client

When you connect to your cPanel server using an FTP client, you’ll need your domain’s FTP server information (usually ftp.mysite.com, replacing “mysite.com” with your domain name) and your FTP username and password. You can find this information in the cPanel.

1. Log in to your domain’s cPanel account if you don’t already have a cPanel account for your domain. 
2. In the File section, click FTP Accounts.
   
   
3. On the FTP Accounts page, you’ll see the Special FTP Accounts section. These pre-configured accounts (plus the root account for the server) are the only ones that allow SFTP. Look for a special FTP account that has a Login that matches your domain name. Then click Configure FTP Client.
   
4. You’ll see some Manual Settings and Configuration Files. In the Configuration Files tab, find your FTP client and click Instructions. Specific instructions for configuring SFTP on your client will load in a new tab or window. Since each FTP client is slightly different, follow those instructions to configure your FTP client.

Upload files using FTP

1. After downloading the Filezilla app from the official website

2.   Once the installation is complete and you see the Filezilla icon on the screen, launch the program

3. Can connect via different protocols When you open FileZilla, select Open Site Manager

* FTP (SSL erase mode, encryption):
+ Server: ftpes://host where your account is stored
+ Ports: 21
+ Protocol: FTP
+ Encryption: Explicit FTP request via TLS
+ Login type: Normal
+ User: your cPanel username
+ Password: your cPanel password

Once connected, locate and drag and drop the data from the left side of the software (i.e. the files on your machine) to the right side (i.e. into the server folder), the files should be placed in the public_html folder on the server:

You’re ready to work on your website!