FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is a standard network protocol used to transfer files from one host to another over a TCP-based network, such as the Internet. FTP is essential for uploading, downloading, and managing files on your website. This guide will walk you through the process of setting up FTP accounts in cPanel, allowing you to securely manage your site's files.
Steps to Set Up FTP Accounts in cPanel
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Log in to cPanel: Start by accessing your cPanel dashboard. You can do this by appending "/cpanel" to your website's URL and entering your login credentials.
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Navigate to FTP Accounts: Once logged in, find the "Files" section and click on "FTP Accounts". This area lets you manage and create new FTP accounts.
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Create a New FTP Account:
- Login: Enter the username for the FTP account. The full username will include @ and your domain name.
- Password: Choose a strong password for the account or use the "Password Generator" for a secure password suggestion.
- Directory: Specify the directory the FTP user will have access to. By default, this field auto-fills based on the username, creating a new folder in the "public_html" directory. You can adjust this to grant access to different parts of your website’s file system.
- Quota: Set the disk space limit for the FTP account, or select "Unlimited" if you do not wish to impose a limit.
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Complete Account Creation: Click on the "Create FTP Account" button. Your new FTP account will now be listed under the "FTP Accounts" section.
Managing FTP Accounts
- Change Password: You can update the password for any FTP account by clicking "Change Password" next to the account listing.
- Configure FTP Client: Download configuration files for various FTP clients like FileZilla, Cyberduck, or CoreFTP by clicking on "Configure FTP Client" next to your FTP account.
- Delete FTP Account: Remove access by clicking "Delete" next to the FTP account you wish to remove. Choose whether to delete the account's files or keep them.
Using Your FTP Account
To transfer files using the FTP account you've created:
- Open your FTP client (e.g., FileZilla, Cyberduck).
- Enter the FTP account's username and password.
- Use the domain name or IP address of your server as the "Host".
- Set the "Port" to 21 (the default FTP port) and connect.
Best Practices for FTP Use
- Limit Access: Only create FTP accounts with access to the necessary directories to minimize security risks.
- Strong Passwords: Use strong, unique passwords for each FTP account to enhance security.
- Regular Reviews: Periodically review your FTP accounts and remove any that are no longer needed.
