Troubleshooting FTP access issues
Reviewed on 05 February 2025 • Published on 05 February 2025
ProblemLink to this anchor
I can’t connect to my FTP account.
SymptomsLink to this anchor
- FTP login fails with an authentication error.
- Your FTP client cannot establish a connection.
- File uploads or downloads are interrupted frequently.
Possible causesLink to this anchor
- Incorrect FTP credentials.
- Passive mode is required but not enabled.
- Your firewall or ISP is blocking FTP ports.
SolutionLink to this anchor
Check your FTP credentials
- Double-check your FTP username, password, and hostname on the hosting panel.
- Ensure you are using the correct protocol (FTP, SFTP) as required by your hosting provider.
- If you recently changed your password, update it in your FTP client.
Enable passive mode
- Some networks require passive mode for FTP connections.
- In your FTP client settings, look for a Connection Mode option and select Passive Mode instead of Active Mode.
Check firewall and network settings
- Ensure port 21 (FTP) is open in your firewall settings.
- Some ISPs block FTP connections; try switching to SFTP (port 22) if available.
Test with an alternative FTP client
- If the issue persists, try using another FTP client (e.g., FileZilla, WinSCP, or Cyberduck) to rule out client-specific problems.
Restart your router and check ISP restrictions
- Restart your router to refresh network settings.
- Contact your ISP to confirm if FTP connections are restricted or blocked.
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