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Connect with an FTP client

Use FileZilla or another FTP client to upload and manage your site's files over a secure connection.

Find your FTP details

  1. In cPanel, open FTP Accounts.
  2. Your main FTP account is listed at the bottom under Special FTP Accounts. Click Configure FTP Client next to it.
  3. You'll see four details you need:
    • Host: your server hostname (e.g. yourdomain.com or the server name shown)
    • Username: your cPanel username
    • Password: your cPanel password
    • Port: 21

Connect with FileZilla

  1. Open FileZilla and go to File > Site Manager.
  2. Click New Site and give it a name.
  3. Set Protocol to FTP – File Transfer Protocol.
  4. Set Encryption to Require explicit FTP over TLS.
  5. Set Logon Type to Normal, then enter your host, username, and password from the step above.
  6. Click Connect.

Once connected, your site's files are on the right side. Your local files are on the left. Drag files between them to upload or download.

Where to put your files

Your site's public files live in public_html. If you have multiple domains or subdomains, each one has its own folder inside your home directory.

Why FTP over TLS

Plain FTP sends your password and files unencrypted. Choosing Require explicit FTP over TLS encrypts the whole connection. The first time you connect, FileZilla asks you to trust the server's certificate; tick Always trust this certificate and click OK.

Create an additional FTP account

If you need to give someone access to only one folder (like a developer working on a subdomain):

  1. In FTP Accounts, fill in a username, password, and directory.
  2. Click Create FTP Account.

That account can only see the folder you specified and anything inside it.

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Stuck on a step? Email support@dredgehost.com and we'll help you sort it out.

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