FTP accounts allow you to upload, download, and manage website files using FTP software such as FileZilla.

This guide explains how to create an FTP account in DirectAdmin.

What Is FTP?

FTP stands for:   File Transfer Protocol

It is commonly used to:

• upload website files
• manage website folders
• transfer backups
• update website content

FTP is especially useful for large websites or frequent file uploads.

Before You Start

Before creating an FTP account, make sure:

• You can log into DirectAdmin
• Your hosting account is active
• Your domain is correctly linked to your hosting account

If you have not logged in yet, please see:

• How to Log Into DirectAdmin

Recommended FTP Software

We recommend:

• FileZilla
• WinSCP
• Cyberduck

These applications are commonly used for website file management.

How to Create an FTP Account

Step 1 — Log Into DirectAdmin

Open your browser and visit:  https://cp.yourdomain.co.za   (Replace yourdomain.co.za with your own domain name)

Enter your hosting username and password.

Step 2 — Open FTP Management

From the DirectAdmin dashboard:

Click:   Account Manager

Then click:   FTP Management

Step 3 — Click Create FTP Account

Click:   Create FTP Account

Step 4 — Enter FTP Account Details

You will need to enter:

• FTP Username
• Password
• Directory Access (typically you will select User - this will put your ftp account directly in the public_html folder. if your website has folders that don't go into the public_html folder then select Domain)

Example FTP Username

Example:

websitefiles

The full FTP username may appear similar to:

websitefiles@yourdomain.co.za

depending on your server configuration.

Step 5 — Choose Directory Access

You can limit the FTP account to a specific folder.

Examples:  public_html  or  public_html/images

This improves security by restricting access only to required folders.

Step 6 — Create a Password

Create a strong password using:

• uppercase letters
• lowercase letters
• numbers
• symbols

Avoid weak or easy-to-guess passwords.

Step 7 — Save the FTP Account

Click: Create  to finish creating the FTP account.

Recommended FTP Settings

FTP Hostname

In most cases, use:  ftp.yourdomain.co.za  (Replace yourdomain.co.za with your own domain name)

or:  yourdomain.co.za

Recommended Connection Port

Secure FTP (Recommended)

Recommended Connection Type

We strongly recommend:

• Secure FTP port 22
• FTP over TLS

instead of unsecured FTP connections.

Connecting With FileZilla

In FileZilla, enter:

Host

ftp.yourdomain.co.za

Username

Your FTP username.

Password

Your FTP password.

Port

21(ftp)/22(sftp)

Then click: Quickconnect

Helpful Tips

Use Separate FTP Accounts

For security, create separate FTP accounts for:

• developers
• designers
• temporary contractors

This allows access to be managed more safely.

Restrict Folder Access

Only allow FTP users access to folders they actually need.

Remove Unused FTP Accounts

Delete old or unused FTP accounts regularly.

Troubleshooting

Cannot Connect to FTP

Check:

• internet connection
• FTP hostname
• username/password
• firewall settings
• correct port used

Login Authentication Failed

Re-enter the:

• FTP username
• password

carefully.

Connection Timed Out

Possible causes include:

• firewall blocking FTP
• antivirus software
• incorrect SSL settings
• ISP restrictions

File Uploads Fail

Check:

• available disk space
• file permissions
• internet connection
• folder access restrictions

Security Tips

• Use strong passwords
• Use secure FTP connections
• Remove unused FTP accounts
• Restrict folder access where possible
• Never share FTP credentials publicly