Knowledgebase

Setting Up FileZilla (Firstserv Guide)

FileZilla is a free, open-source FTP client available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It allows you to upload and download files between your computer and your Firstserv hosting account—for example, uploading your website files or managing backups.

Before continuing, ensure you have your:

• cPanel username
• cPanel password
• Server hostname or domain

Download FileZilla

• Visit the official FileZilla website
• Download and install the version suitable for your system

Using Site Manager

FileZilla’s Site Manager allows you to create and save connection profiles for your hosting accounts.

Access Site Manager

1. Open FileZilla
2. Click File → Site Manager
3. Click New Site and give it a name (e.g. My Firstserv Account)

Option 1: Connect via FTPS (Recommended for FTP)

FTPS uses FTP with SSL/TLS encryption for added security.

General Settings

Enter the following:

• Host: Your server hostname or domain
• Port: 21
• Protocol: FTP – File Transfer Protocol
• Encryption: Require explicit FTP over TLS
• Logon Type: Normal
• User: Your cPanel username
• Password: Your cPanel password

Transfer Settings

1. Click the Transfer Settings tab
2. Select Passive mode
3. Tick Limit number of simultaneous connections
4. Set Maximum connections to 10

Connect

• Click OK, then connect
• On first connection, you may see a certificate warning:
  • Verify the hostname matches your server
  • Accept the certificate to continue

✅ You’ll only need to confirm this once.

Option 2: Connect via SFTP (Recommended Overall)

SFTP uses SSH and provides full encryption for login details and data transfer.

General Settings

• Host: Your server hostname or domain
• Port: 722
• Protocol: SFTP – SSH File Transfer Protocol
• Logon Type: Normal
• User: Your cPanel username
• Password: Your cPanel password

Advanced Settings (Optional)

Click the Advanced tab:

• Default local directory: Your project folder on your computer
• Default remote directory:

  /home/yourusername/public_html/
  

Transfer Settings

1. Go to the Transfer Settings tab
2. Select Passive mode
3. Enable connection limit
4. Set maximum connections to 10

Connecting to Your Server

• Click OK and then connect to your saved site
• FileZilla will display:
  • Local files (your computer) on the left
  • Remote files (your hosting account) on the right

✅ You can now upload and manage files easily.

Tips

• ✅ Use SFTP where possible for maximum security
• ✅ Upload website files to /public_html/
• ✅ Keep login details secure
• ✅ Use Site Manager to save time on future connections

Summary

With FileZilla, you can:

• Upload and download website files
• Manage your hosting file structure
• Connect securely via FTPS or SFTP

If you need help connecting or troubleshooting FTP/SFTP access, the Firstserv support team is always happy to assist.