How to connect to cPanel hosting with FileZilla

FileZilla is a free, open-source FTP client available for Windows, macOS and Linux. It lets you transfer files between your computer and your hosting account, whether you are uploading a new website, downloading a backup or editing files directly on the server.

This guide covers two secure connection methods: FTPS (FTP over explicit TLS) and SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol). SFTP encrypts your credentials and all file data in transit, making it the recommended choice for most tasks.

Connect using FTPS (explicit TLS)

FTPS wraps a standard FTP connection in TLS encryption. This protects your login credentials and file data from being intercepted. You configure it through FileZilla’s Site Manager, which stores your connection settings so you do not need to re-enter them each time.

1. Open Site Manager.
   Launch FileZilla, then go to File > Site Manager. This is where all saved connection profiles are stored.
2. Create a new site profile.
   Click New Site and type a name for this connection, for example My Hosting Account. The name is for your reference only.
3. Enter your connection details.
   On the General tab, fill in the following fields:
   
   • Host – your server hostname, for example server1.unlimitedwebhosting.co.uk
   • Port – 21
   • Protocol – FTP – File Transfer Protocol
   • Encryption – Require explicit FTP over TLS
   • Logon Type – Normal
   • User – your cPanel username
   • Password – your cPanel password
4. Configure transfer settings.
   Click the Transfer Settings tab. Select Passive as the transfer mode. Tick Limit number of simultaneous connections and set the maximum to 10. Passive mode avoids firewall issues by letting your computer initiate the data connection.
5. Save and connect.
   Click OK to save the profile, then click Connect.

On your first connection, FileZilla displays an unknown certificate prompt. Check that the Common Name in the certificate matches your server hostname, then click OK to accept it. If you are connecting via your domain name rather than the server hostname, tick Always trust this certificate in future sessions to avoid being prompted again.

Connect using SFTP (SSH)

SFTP runs over SSH and encrypts the entire session, including your username, password and all transferred data. It is the more secure option and is recommended for day-to-day file management. The setup process is similar to FTPS but uses a different protocol and port.

1. Open Site Manager.
   Go to File > Site Manager in FileZilla.
2. Create a new site profile.
   Click New Site and give the connection a name.
3. Enter your connection details.
   On the General tab, fill in the following:
   
   • Host – your server hostname
   • Port – 22
   • Protocol – SFTP – SSH File Transfer Protocol
   • Logon Type – Normal
   • User – your cPanel username
   • Password – your cPanel password
4. Set default directories.
   Click the Advanced tab. In Default local directory, browse to the folder on your computer where your website files are stored. In Default remote directory, enter the path to your public web root: /home/username/public_html/, replacing username with your actual cPanel username. FileZilla opens these directories automatically each time you connect.
5. Configure transfer settings.
   Click the Transfer Settings tab. Select Passive transfer mode, tick Limit number of simultaneous connections and set the maximum to 10.
6. Save and connect.
   Click OK to save, then click Connect.

On your first SFTP connection, FileZilla asks you to confirm the server’s host key. Verify the key fingerprint matches your server, then click OK. FileZilla remembers the key for future sessions.

Troubleshooting connection errors

Connection refused or timed out

This usually means the port is blocked or the hostname is incorrect. Check the following:

• Confirm you are using the correct hostname from your welcome email or the server hostname guide.
• Confirm the port matches the protocol: 21 for FTPS, 22 for SFTP.
• Check that your local firewall or antivirus software is not blocking outbound connections on those ports.
• Try connecting using your server hostname rather than your domain name, as DNS propagation delays can cause failures on recently configured domains. See our guide on checking DNS propagation for more detail.

Authentication failed

FileZilla returns an authentication error when the username or password is incorrect, or when the account does not have permission to connect via the chosen protocol.

• Double-check your cPanel username and password. These are case-sensitive.
• If you recently changed your cPanel password, update the saved password in Site Manager.
• Confirm SSH access is enabled on your hosting account. Some plans require SSH to be activated before SFTP connections are accepted.

Certificate warning on every connection

If FileZilla prompts you to accept the certificate on every FTPS connection, the certificate’s common name does not match the hostname you entered. This happens when connecting via a domain name that resolves to a shared server certificate.

• Tick Always trust this certificate in future sessions when accepting the prompt.
• Alternatively, switch to using your server hostname in the Host field, which matches the certificate’s common name directly.

Wrapping up

You have configured FileZilla to connect to your cPanel hosting account using either FTPS or SFTP. Your connection profile is saved in Site Manager, so future connections require no additional setup. SFTP is the recommended method as it encrypts all data in transit, including your login credentials.

With FileZilla connected, you can upload website files, manage your public_html directory and transfer backups. For related tasks, see our guides on connecting to your server via SSH, using the cPanel File Manager and installing a free SSL certificate to keep your site secure.

Our cPanel hosting plans include SSH and SFTP access as standard.