Chapter 11 · 11.7
Connecting with FileZilla (FTP, FTPS and SFTP)
FileZilla is a free FTP program for Windows, Mac and Linux. You can download it at filezilla-project.org (choose the regular FileZilla Client; when installing, make sure you don't install any extra software along with it). Other programs, such as Cyberduck or WinSCP, work with the same details.
The details at a glance
| Setting | FTP with encryption (recommended) | SFTP |
|---|---|---|
| Host (server) | Your package's server name, for example linux2023.webawere.nl (see Finding your server name and DA user name) | The server name |
| Protocol | FTP, with Require explicit FTP over TLS | SFTP |
| Port | 21 (or leave blank) | 1967 |
| Username | Your DA username, or the full name of an extra FTP account, such as webbouwer@jouwdomein.nl | Your DA username |
| Logon type | The password for that account | An SSH key (see SSH Keys and logging in with SSH); a password won't work |
| Which packages? | All hosting packages | Only Power Webhost Three and Four, AI Wordpress Three and Power Reseller |
| Transfer mode | Passive | Not applicable |
Connecting with FTP over TLS (FTPS)
The names below are FileZilla's English names. If your FileZilla is set to a different language, look for the equivalents of Protocol, Host, Port, Encryption (choose Require explicit FTP over TLS) and Logon Type (choose Normal).
- Open FileZilla and choose Site Manager from the File menu.
- Click New site and give it a name, for example your domain name.
- For Protocol, choose: FTP - File Transfer Protocol.
- Enter the server name under Host and leave Port blank (FileZilla will then use 21).
- For Encryption, choose: Require explicit FTP over TLS.
- For Logon Type, choose: Normal, and enter your username and password.
- Click Connect.
The first time, FileZilla will show you the server's certificate. Does it show the server's name, such as linux2023.webawere.nl? If so, tick that you always trust this certificate and click OK.
Once connected, you'll see your package's folders on the right. Go to domains/jouwdomein.nl/public_html and drag your files from the left (your computer) to the right.
Tip: Use the server name as the host, not ftp.jouwdomein.nl or the IP address. The certificate is issued in the server's name. With your own domain name, you'll get a warning that the certificate doesn't match the name, and during a move, your domain might still point to your old provider.
Passive mode
FTP uses two connections: one for commands and one for files. In passive mode, your computer sets up both connections itself. This works best behind a modem or firewall and is FileZilla's default setting. You can check it under Modify > Settings > Connection > FTP: set Transfer mode to Passive.
For the file connection, the server uses ports 35000 to 35999 in passive mode. If your modem or firewall blocks these, you'll be able to log in but won't see any folders (see FTP not working: how to fix it).
Connecting with SFTP
SFTP runs over SSH. This is only available with packages that have SSH Access: Power Webhost Three and Four, AI Wordpress Three and Power Reseller. You log in with your DA username and an SSH key, not a password. You can read how to create a key and add it in DirectAdmin in SSH Keys and logging in with SSH.
- In the Site Manager, for Protocol, choose: SFTP - SSH File Transfer Protocol.
- Enter the server name under Host and 1967 under Port.
- For Logon Type, choose: Key file, enter your DA username and select your private key.
- Click Connect.
Please note: If FileZilla keeps trying to log in with an incorrect password, the server will block your IP address after a few attempts. Your website and email will then also temporarily stop working from your connection. See FTP not working: how to fix it.