How to Create FTP Accounts in Cpanel

An FTP account is used to upload and manage files on your website. It is automatically created in cPanel when you sign up for hosting, create a cPanel, create an addon domain or subdomain, or enable anonymous FTP. So, by default, you already have an FTP account in your cPanel. Use your cPanel username and password to log in to it.

You can create new FTP accounts to access other users without giving them your cPanel and billing login credentials. For each additional FTP account created, you can also give each user different access levels by assigning the user to a specific directory only.

What is FTP Accounts?

FTP (File Transfer Protocol) accounts are user accounts created to facilitate the transfer of files between a computer and a web server. These accounts are commonly used for uploading, downloading, or managing files on a website hosted on a server.

Key Features of FTP Accounts:

1. Access to Server Files: FTP accounts allow users to connect to the server and manage files stored there.
2. User-Specific Permissions: Each account can be assigned specific directories and file permissions to restrict or grant access.
3. Secure File Transfer: FTP clients can connect via standard FTP or secure protocols like FTPS (FTP Secure) or SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol) for encrypted file transfers.
4. Usage Control: You can set storage quotas and manage passwords for each FTP account to monitor and control usage.

Common Uses of FTP Accounts:

• Website Management: Uploading website files such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and images.
• Backup Management: Downloading backups from the server to your local computer.
• File Sharing: Sharing files between team members or clients by providing them access to specific directories.
• Software Updates: Uploading updated software, plugins, or application files to a web server.

How FTP Accounts Work:

1. Username: Uniquely identifies the account. It often includes the domain name (e.g., user@yourdomain.com).
2. Password: Secures access to the server.
3. Assigned Directory: Determines the files and folders the user can access.
4. Quota (Optional): Limits the amount of server space the account can use.

FTP accounts are typically managed through a hosting control panel like cPanel, which simplifies their creation and management.

Steps To Create an FTP Account in cPanel

Creating an FTP account in cPanel is straightforward. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Log in to cPanel

1. Access your cPanel login page, usually at yourdomain.com/cpanel.
2. Enter your cPanel username and password.

Step 2: Locate the FTP Accounts Section

1. Scroll down to the Files section.
2. Click on FTP Accounts.

Step 3: Create an FTP Account

1. Fill in the details:
   • Log in: Enter a username for the account. The domain will automatically be appended (e.g., username@yourdomain.com).
   • Password: Enter a strong password or use the Password Generator for security.
   • Directory:
     • By default, cPanel will suggest a directory tied to the username.
     • If you want this account to have access to the entire home directory, delete the suggested directory and leave this field blank.
     • For restricted access, specify a particular directory (e.g., public_html/foldername).
   • Quota: Set a storage limit for this FTP account, or select Unlimited for no restrictions.
2. Click “Create FTP Account” to finalize.

Step 4: Manage the FTP Account (Optional)

1. After creating the account, you can view it in the FTP Accounts section at the bottom of the page.
2. From here, you can:
   • Change the Password: Update the password for the account.
   • Change the Quota: Adjust the storage limit.
   • Delete: Remove the account if no longer needed.

Step 5: Configure the FTP Client

1. Download an FTP client such as FileZilla.
2. Use the following details in the client:
   • Host: Your domain name (e.g., ftp.yourdomain.com).
   • Username: The full FTP username (e.g., username@yourdomain.com).
   • Password: The password you set.
   • Port: 21 for standard FTP.
3. Save the settings and connect to your server.

Now your FTP account is ready for use!