Knowledgebase

FTP & SFTP Access (Firstserv Guide)

FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is a standard method used to upload and manage files between your computer and your hosting account.

Firstserv supports secure file transfer options including:

• ✅ SFTP (SSH FTP) – Recommended (secure)
• ✅ FTP/S (Explicit SSL/TLS FTP) – Secure FTP for additional users

Accessing FTP in cPanel

1. Log in to cPanel
2. Go to:

   Files → FTP Accounts
   

Connection Methods

✅ SFTP (Recommended)

• Most secure option
• Uses SSH encryption
• Port:

  722
  

👉 Use this with your main (default) account

✅ FTP/S (Explicit FTP over SSL)

• Secure FTP connection
• Used for additional FTP accounts
• Port:

  21
  

Default FTP Account

Your hosting account automatically includes a default FTP account.

Details

• Username: Your cPanel username
• Password: Your cPanel password
• Access: Full access to your hosting directory:

  /home/username
  

✅ How to Connect

• Use SFTP
• Port:

  722
  

Important

• Changing your cPanel password also changes your default FTP password

Creating Additional FTP Accounts

You can create extra FTP users with restricted access, ideal for:

• Developers
• Designers
• External collaborators

Step-by-Step

1. Log in to cPanel
2. Go to:

   Files → FTP Accounts
   

3. Fill in the form:

Account Settings

• Login:
  Example:

  developer@yourdomain.com
  

• Domain:
  Select the domain for this account

• Password:
  Enter and confirm a strong password

• Directory:
  Set the folder the user can access

  /public_html/sitefolder
  

  👉 User cannot access anything outside this directory

• Quota:
  Set storage limits or choose Unlimited

Create the Account

• Click Create FTP Account

✅ The new FTP user is ready to use

Password Tips

• Minimum length and strength required
• Use a mix of:
  • Uppercase letters
  • Lowercase letters
  • Numbers
  • Special characters

👉 You can use the Password Generator in cPanel

Managing FTP Accounts

Change Password or Quota

• Go to FTP Accounts
• Click:
  • Change Password, or
  • Change Quota

Deleting an FTP Account

• Click Delete next to the account

✅ This removes access only
❌ It does not delete any files

Key Differences

Summary

• Use SFTP (port 722) for secure full access
• Use FTP/S (port 21) for additional users
• Default account uses your cPanel login
• Additional FTP accounts can be restricted and managed easily

Need Help?

If you need help connecting via FTP or setting up secure file access, the Firstserv support team is always happy to assist.