Additional FTP accounts allow other users to upload and manage website files without giving them full access to your hosting account.

This guide explains how to create additional FTP accounts in DirectAdmin.

Why Create Additional FTP Accounts?

Additional FTP accounts are useful for:

• web developers
• designers
• staff members
• temporary contractors
• restricted website access

This improves security because users only receive access to specific folders instead of your full hosting account.

Before You Start

Before creating an FTP account, make sure:

• You can log into DirectAdmin
• Your hosting account is active
• The folder you want to grant access to already exists

If you have not logged in yet, please see:

• How to Log Into DirectAdmin

Important Recommendation

We strongly recommend:

• creating separate FTP accounts for each user
• restricting folder access where possible
• removing unused FTP accounts regularly

How to Create an Additional 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 — Create a New FTP Account

Click:  Create FTP Account

Step 4 — Enter FTP Username

Enter a username for the FTP account.

Example:

developer

Depending on server configuration, the full username may appear as:

developer@yourdomain.co.za

Step 5 — Create a Password

Enter a strong password using:

• uppercase letters
• lowercase letters
• numbers
• symbols

Avoid weak or easy-to-guess passwords.

Step 6 — Select Folder Access

Choose which folder the FTP account should access.

Examples:

USER: abc.co.za/public_html

or:

DOMAIN:  abc.co.za

Restricting access improves security.

Step 7 — Save the FTP Account

Click:  Create

The FTP account is now active.

Recommended FTP Connection Settings

FTP Hostname

Use:

ftp.yourdomain.co.za

or:

yourdomain.co.za

Recommended Port

21(ftp)/22(sftp)

with:

• Explicit TLS/SSL enabled

Recommended FTP Applications

We recommend:

• FileZilla
• WinSCP
• Cyberduck

for managing website files securely.

Helpful Tips

Use Separate Accounts for Different Users

This makes it easier to:

• manage access
• revoke permissions
• improve security

Restrict Folder Access

Only allow users access to folders they actually need.

Remove Old Accounts

Delete unused FTP accounts regularly to reduce security risks.

Troubleshooting

Cannot Connect to FTP

Check:

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

Login Authentication Failed

Re-enter:

• username
• password

carefully.

Remember usernames may include the domain name.

Permission Denied Errors

This usually means:

• folder restrictions
• incorrect permissions
• restricted directory access

File Uploads Fail

Possible causes include:

• insufficient disk space
• connection interruptions
• folder permission problems

Security Tips

• Use secure FTP connections
• Remove unused FTP accounts
• Restrict folder access
• Use strong passwords
• Never share hosting login details unnecessarily