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To connect to an FTP server, you need the correct protocol, server address, port, username, password or SSH key, and—sometimes—a remote directory. For most people, the easiest method is FileZilla: create a site, choose exactly the protocol supplied by the administrator, enter the credentials, and connect using passive mode for ordinary FTP or FTPS.
Do not substitute SFTP for FTP or FTPS. They are different protocols, use different server services, and commonly use different ports.
What you need before connecting
| Detail | What it means |
|---|---|
| Protocol | FTP, explicit FTPS, implicit FTPS, or SFTP. |
| Host/server | A hostname such as ftp.example.com or an IP address. |
| Port | The TCP port provided by the administrator. |
| Username | Your account name, which may be case-sensitive or include a domain prefix. |
| Password or key | A password for normal login, or an SSH private key for some SFTP accounts. |
| Remote directory | The folder you should open after logging in. |
| Transfer mode | Usually passive for FTP and FTPS. |
Common ports are 21 for FTP and explicit FTPS, 22 for SFTP, and 990 for implicit FTPS. These are defaults, not requirements; always use the port supplied by the server operator. See FileZilla’s connection setup documentation.
FTP vs. FTPS vs. SFTP
| Protocol | What it is | Typical port | Encryption |
|---|---|---|---|
| FTP | Traditional File Transfer Protocol | 21 | None by default |
| Explicit FTPS | FTP upgraded to TLS after connecting | Usually 21 | TLS |
| Implicit FTPS | TLS is required immediately | Often 990 | TLS |
| SFTP | File transfer over SSH | Usually 22 | SSH |
SFTP is not technically “secure FTP.” FTPS and SFTP require different server-side services and credentials. Select FTP over TLS when the provider says FTPES or explicit FTPS, implicit FTPS when specifically instructed, and SFTP—SSH File Transfer Protocol when the provider says SFTP or SSH file transfer. Protocol details and URL syntax are covered in the official curl tutorial.
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Connect with FileZilla
- Install FileZilla Client from the official project site.
- Open File → Site Manager, then select New site.
- Enter the server hostname in Host.
- Choose the supplied protocol: FTP, FTP over TLS, or SFTP—SSH File Transfer Protocol.
- Enter the supplied port. Leave it blank only when the client should use the protocol default.
- Choose Normal for a username and password, or Ask for password if you do not want the password stored.
- For SFTP key authentication, select the key-based option and provide the private key as required by your client and account.
- For FTP or FTPS, open the transfer settings and use Passive mode unless the administrator says otherwise.
- Click Connect.
For FTPS, inspect the certificate prompt. Check the hostname, issuer, validity period, and trust status before accepting it. For SFTP, verify the server’s SSH host-key fingerprint through an independent channel when the connection matters. Do not permanently accept every warning without checking it.
After a successful connection, the remote files normally appear in the right-hand pane. The left pane shows your computer. Double-click folders to navigate, then drag files between panes. Watch the transfer queue for successful, failed, or skipped items. Login does not automatically grant upload permission.
Connect from Windows Command Prompt
Microsoft documents an interactive ftp command for supported Windows configurations, including Windows 11 and several Windows Server editions. Availability can still depend on installed components and organizational policy.
To connect using the default FTP port:
ftp ftp.example.comTo specify a custom port:
ftp
open ftp.example.com 2121Enter the username and password when prompted. Useful commands include:
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dir list remote files and folders
cd folder change the remote directory
lcd C:path change the local directory
binary use binary transfer mode
get remote.txt download a file
get remote.txt local.txt
put local.txt upload a file
bye disconnectMicrosoft’s references for get and put document the download and upload commands. The built-in utility is suitable for basic FTP sessions, but it is not a universal client for SFTP and modern FTPS workflows. Use a client that explicitly supports the required protocol when encryption, key authentication, or advanced passive-mode configuration is needed.
Connect with curl
curl is useful on macOS, Linux, Windows, servers without a graphical desktop, and automated workflows.
List a remote directory
curl -u username ftp://ftp.example.com/Download a file
curl -u username
-O ftp://ftp.example.com/path/to/file.zipRequire TLS for FTP
curl --ssl-reqd
-u username
-O ftp://ftp.example.com/path/to/file.zipFor implicit FTPS, use an FTPS URL:
curl -u username
-O ftps://ftp.example.com/path/to/file.zipUse SFTP
curl -u username
sftp://example.com/path/to/fileUpload a file
curl -T localfile.txt
-u username
ftp://ftp.example.com/These examples prompt for the password on many curl builds. Avoid putting a password directly in a command such as ftp://username:[email protected]: it can be saved in shell history, exposed in logs or process listings, or captured in screenshots. Special characters can also be interpreted by the shell. Use an interactive prompt or a protected credential method instead.
For an FTP path that must be interpreted as absolute rather than relative to the account’s login directory, curl documents an extra slash, for example:
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ftp://user:password@host//absolute/path/file.txtDo not copy that password-in-URL pattern into normal use; it is shown only to explain curl’s path behavior.
Why passive mode matters
FTP uses two connections: a control connection for commands and responses, and a separate data connection for directory listings and transfers. In passive mode, the server provides a data port and the client connects to it. In active mode, the server connects back to the client.
Passive mode usually works better behind a home router, NAT, or corporate firewall, and is the default recommendation for FTP and FTPS in FileZilla. It is not guaranteed to work: the server must expose a correctly configured passive port range and public address. See FileZilla’s active/passive mode guide.
Fix common connection problems
Connection timed out
Check the hostname and port character by character, confirm that DNS resolves the hostname, and verify that the selected protocol matches the provider’s instructions. VPNs, proxies, firewalls, blocked outbound traffic, server downtime, and source-IP restrictions can also cause timeouts. If permitted, test from another network and ask the administrator whether your public IP must be allowlisted.
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Connection refused
The host is reachable, but no service may be listening on that port, or a firewall may be actively rejecting it. Confirm whether the service expects port 21, 22, 990, or a custom port, and whether it is FTP, FTPS, or SFTP. A refusal does not prove that your password is wrong.
Login fails
Re-enter the credentials manually and avoid saving the password until the connection works. Confirm whether the username is case-sensitive, includes a domain or prefix, or requires a particular logon type. The account may be disabled, expired, restricted by IP address, or valid only for another protocol.
Login succeeds but no files appear
The account may be in the wrong remote directory, restricted to a virtual home directory, or missing permission to list files. FTP’s data connection may also be blocked even though authentication succeeded. Check the supplied remote path, try passive mode, and inspect the client log for PASV, EPSV, LIST, or MLSD errors. An empty view does not necessarily mean the server contains no files.
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Authentication and write permission are separate. The account may be read-only, the target folder may not be writable, the disk quota may be full, or server policy may block the filename. Try the documented upload directory and a small test file, then ask the administrator to check permissions and quota.
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A transfer starts and stops
Possible causes include blocked passive ports, an unreachable private address advertised by the server, proxy or firewall interruption, large-file limits, idle timeouts, TLS inspection, or antivirus interference. Confirm passive mode, review the transfer log, and test another authorized network. Server-side passive-port, NAT, quota, and timeout issues require the administrator to fix the service; do not disable security controls globally.
Security guidance
- Prefer SFTP or FTPS when the server operator offers it, especially for passwords or sensitive files.
- Plain FTP does not encrypt credentials or transfers in the same way as FTPS or SFTP. Use it only when the risk is understood and the server requires it.
- Verify FTPS certificates and SFTP host-key fingerprints rather than accepting every warning.
- Avoid saving passwords on shared computers and use least-privilege accounts.
- Never publish credentials in screenshots, URLs, scripts, or support tickets.
- Do not open broad inbound firewall ranges without guidance from the network or server administrator.
When FTP is not the right tool
For occasional sharing, an HTTPS upload portal or cloud-storage link may be simpler. Recurring business transfers may benefit from a managed file-transfer service with auditing and centralized access control. SMB or NFS is generally more appropriate for trusted internal networks than Internet-facing file exchange.
Browser support for FTP URLs has changed across browsers and operating systems and is not a dependable workflow for authenticated transfers, uploads, FTPS, or SFTP. A dedicated client or command-line tool provides better protocol support, logs, transfer queues, and error reporting.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is SFTP the same as FTP?
No. SFTP is file transfer over SSH, while FTP is a separate protocol. FTPS is FTP protected with TLS. Select the exact service provided by the administrator.
Why can I log in but not see files?
FTP uses a separate data connection for listings and transfers. Check the remote directory, permissions, and passive-mode or firewall configuration.
Can I connect without installing an FTP program?
Yes. Windows includes a basic ftp command on supported configurations, and curl can connect from many macOS, Linux, and Windows systems. These tools have fewer conveniences than a graphical client.
How do I connect using an SSH key?
Choose SFTP, select the provider’s key-based authentication option, and configure the required private key in a client that supports it. The server must enable key authentication for your account.
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