An interrupted FTP connection occurs when your connection to the web server is unexpectedly cut off during a file transfer. This disruption prevents you from uploading or downloading files, potentially affecting website updates and maintenance. The following are some of the most common errors and how to resolve them.    

1. Connection reset by peer

The error message Connection reset by peer in FTP means that the remote server has forcefully closed the connection. Potential causes: • Idle timeout: The server closes the connection due to inactivity. • Firewall interference: A firewall or security software blocks or terminates the connection. • Server overload: The server is experiencing high traffic and is dropping connections. • Network issues: Unstable internet or packet loss is disrupting the connection. • Incorrect FTP mode: The connection mode (Active/Passive) is incompatible with the server. Solutions: - Try reconnecting and keeping the connection active by reducing idle time. - Check your firewall settings and allow FTP traffic. - Use Passive Mode if Active Mode is not working (or vice versa). - Ensure your internet connection is stable.

2. 530 Login authentication failed or 530 Login incorrect

The 530 Login authentication failed, or the 530 Login incorrect error occurs when the FTP server denies access due to authentication issues. This prevents the connection from being established, leading to an interrupted FTP session. Potential causes: • Incorrect credentials: The username or password is wrong. • Account issues: The FTP account is disabled, expired, or lacks proper permissions. • IP restrictions: The server blocks logins from unauthorised IP addresses. • Security requirements: Some servers require SFTP instead of standard FTP. • Too many failed attempts: Some servers temporarily block logins after multiple failed attempts. Solutions: - Verify and reenter your FTP username and password. - Reset your FTP password via your hosting control panel if needed. - Try logging in from a different network or request your IP to be whitelisted. - If using FTP, try switching to SFTP (Secure FTP) if required by your server.

3. 425 Can’t open data connection

The 425 Can’t open data connection error occurs when the FTP server fails to establish a data connection for file transfers. It typically occurs after a successful login but before files can be uploaded or downloaded. Potential causes: • Firewall or security software blocking FTP ports: The firewalls on your computer, router, or server may block the required FTP ports. • Incorrect FTP Mode: The server may require Passive Mode, but the client uses Active Mode (or vice versa). • Server misconfiguration: The FTP server is not configured correctly to handle data connections. • Network issues: Connectivity problems between your computer and the server may interfere with data transfer. • Blocked passive ports: The server or firewall might block the necessary port range if you use passive mode. Solutions: - If you use Active Mode, try Passive Mode (or vice versa). You can change this in your FTP client settings. - Ensure your firewall or security software is not blocking FTP connections. If it is, temporarily disable the firewall to test whether it is the cause. - If using FTPS, ensure you are connecting through port 21 (explicit FTPS) or port 990 (implicit FTPS). - If you have a weak or unstable internet connection, try switching networks or restarting your router.

4. Connection aborted

The Connection aborted error in FTP usually indicates that the connection to the server was unexpectedly dropped or terminated. Potential causes: • Connection timeout: The server may close the connection due to prolonged inactivity. • Security software interference: A firewall or antivirus software may block or interrupt the FTP connection. • Server congestion: The server could be overloaded, leading to dropped connections. • Unstable network: Network disruptions or unstable internet may cause the connection to fail. • FTP mode mismatch: The chosen connection mode (Active/Passive) may not be compatible with the server settings. • Large file transfers: Trying to transfer large files may result in timeouts or interruptions due to server or client limitations. • Server-side restrictions: The server may have configurations or security measures that terminate connections unexpectedly. Solutions: - Reestablish the connection and keep it active by reducing inactivity. - Make sure your firewall or security software is not blocking FTP connections. - Try using Passive Mode if Active Mode is causing problems, or vice versa. - Ensure your internet connection is stable and you are not experiencing packet loss. - Break up large file transfers into smaller parts, or adjust your FTP client’s timeout and file size limits.

There are two standard website upload methods: the cPanel File Manager and a dedicated FTP client. While the File Manager is ideal for quick, small file transfers, an FTP client is better suited for handling large file uploads and offers advanced file transfer features. cPanel File Manager vs FTP: cPanel File Manager — Convenient and easy • Browser-based, no software needed. • Great for small to medium file uploads. • User-friendly with complete control over files. FTP — Robust and flexible • Designed for efficient file transfers. • Handles large files and bulk uploads well. • Works with your favourite FTP client, independent of your browser.

Note: This guide will show you how to upload your website using the cPanel File Manager. To upload your website using a dedicated FTP client, click here for the guide.

To upload your website using the cPanel File Manager: 1. Access cPanel directly through your Z.com account. 2. Once you have reached the cPanel dashboard, locate File Manager under Files. 3. In the File Manager, navigate to the public_html directory. Unless you work with an add-on domain or subdomain, you should upload your website files here. 4. Click Upload, which is located on the top toolbar.

Note: To upload multiple files at once, you may need to compress them into a ZIP file before uploading. After the upload is complete, you can extract the files within cPanel File Manager.

5. A new browser tab or window will open for file upload. You can drag and drop your website files or click Select File to locate them manually. 6. Wait for the upload to complete by ensuring the upload reaches 100%. 7. Once done, go back and refresh the public_html folder and ensure all your files have been uploaded correctly.

Uploading files to your web hosting server is easier using an FTP client. The Windows system also allows users to upload files using its FTP built-in features.

Note: Windows’ built-in FTP tools do not support SFTP Connections. To connect, please use the custom FTP account created on your cPanel.

1. To start the FTP server connection, open Windows Explorer on your Windows computer, then click This PC. Alternatively, go to the Start menu >> click the Computer/This PC option. Right-click on a space and select the Add a network location option. 2. Click Next, follow the feature wizard and select Choose a custom network location. 3. Click on Choose a custom network location, then Next to proceed. 4. Enter your FTP Host (including ftp://) in the field and click Next. 5. Specify a name for the connection, then click Next. 6. The connection has been set up. Click Finish. 7. You will be prompted to enter your FTP user name and password. 8. Done! You are successfully connected to the FTP server using the Windows built-in client.

FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is the most secure method for transferring files from your computer to a server over the Internet.

Note: Before transferring files, you must first install an FTP client on your computer. Many options are available, so you can choose one that suits your needs. This guide uses FileZilla, a popular, user-friendly option. Windows users can also try Core FTP, while Mac users may prefer Cyberduck.

The FileZilla client has two primary connection methods: the Site Manager and QuickConnect. While the Site Manager is ideal for saving FTP credentials and managing recurring connections, QuickConnect is designed for quick, one-time access without saving credentials.    

FTP credentials

Please refer to this guide to find the FTP credentials for your FTP/SFTP account.

Site Manager

1. Launch the FileZilla client on your computer. Click on the File menu and select Site Manager (or click the Site Manager launch button shown below on the red arrow). 2. In the Site Manager window, click New Site and enter a name for the new server. This name is solely for display, so pick something to remind you which server it represents. 3. Enter FTP details: • Protocol: Choose between FTP, SFTP, or FTPS, depending on your server setup. • Host: Enter the FTP server address (e.g., ftp.example.com). • Port: Specify the port number if needed (default is 21 for FTP and 22 for SFTP). • Login Type: Select the desired login type from the drop-down list. - Normal: This is the most common option. You provide both your username and password upfront. The password is retained, and you will not need to reenter it after restarting the program. - Ask for password: You will only be prompted for the password once you quit FileZilla. - Anonymous: Connects without requiring any authentication. 4. If required, enter your username and password in the User and Password fields. Once done, click Connect to initiate the connection immediately (or OK to save your settings first). 5. Once connected, the FileZilla client’s right panel shows the server’s file structure. You can now transfer files between your local system (left panel) and the server.

QuickConnect

1. Launch the FileZilla client on your computer. Enter your FTP credentials and click Quickconnect. 2. Click OK to confirm the SSL certificate to continue. 3. Upon accessing your FTP client dashboard, you should see a successful message aligned with Status. The Local site is the home computer where files are saved, and the Remote site is your web hosting server. 4. Uploading files*: Locate the file or folder you want to upload to the server under the Local site. Highlight and right-click on the highlighted file or folder before clicking Upload to transfer the file to the server. On the right side, under Remote site, confirm and ensure the file is successfully uploaded to the public_html directory. Check that your website contents are completely uploaded. *Directory Structure: Incorrect uploading of your website content may cause downtime and data loss. To avoid this problem, please upload data in the correct directory. Default Directory Structure: When your server is set up, the main domain is assigned to the server. The default document root for the main domain is the public_html folder. Addon Domains: When you create an addon domain in cPanel, a new folder is automatically created inside the public_html folder. This folder is labelled with the addon domain's name. The document root for the addon domain will follow the format: public_html/new_domain.com 5. Downloading files: On the right side, under Remote site, highlight and right-click on the file or folder you want to Download. All of your website content is stored in the public_html directory. You can easily download the entire directory to get a backup copy of your website.

Note: File upload speeds may vary based on several factors. For example, internet connection speed can significantly affect upload times; higher speeds result in faster uploads. Additionally, larger file sizes typically take longer to upload. Please ensure the upload is successful before disconnecting from the FTP client.

Example (uploading and extracting of ZIP file)

Since FileZilla does not include a built-in option to extract files directly on the server, the following example will guide you through how to do this using your cPanel. 1. Connect to your server via FileZilla. Upon accessing your FileZilla dashboard, use the Local site panel (left side) to navigate to your ZIP file’s folder. 2. Drag the ZIP file from the Local site panel and drop it into the Remote site panel under the desired directory. You can also right-click on the ZIP file and click Upload. 3. Once the ZIP file has been successfully uploaded, you should see a successful message aligned with Status, along with the ZIP file, under the Remote site panel. 4. Navigate to File Manager in your cPanel and go to the directory where you uploaded the ZIP file, such as public_html. 5. Select the ZIP file and click Extract. You can also right-click on the ZIP file and click Extract. 6. Confirm the extraction path. Once done, click Move Files. 7. Done! The extracted file should be reflected above the ZIP file.

With macOS, you can connect to the FTP server using the built-in tools or a third-party FTP client. While macOS provides basic FTP functionality for accessing and sharing files, you will need a dedicated FTP client to manage files fully, including uploading files to a remote server. You can connect to an FTP server on macOS in two ways: through Finder for a graphical interface or via Terminal for command-line access.

Note: Although the Mac FTP client built into your computer is easy to use, it is read-only. Consider using a third-party FTP client to upload, edit, and manage files on the server.

   

How to use FTP on Mac via Finder

Finder on Mac is an excellent choice if you are looking for a simple, non-technical way to access files via FTP. It lets you quickly connect to a remote server and even use the sharing settings to set up your Mac as an FTP server. 1. Using the Finder menu bar, click Go > Connect to Server. 2. Type your server’s name or IP address, including ftp://. Once done, click Connect. 3. You will be prompted to enter your username and password for the FTP server. You may also check the box to have it remembered the next time you connect. Once done, click Connect to successfully open FTP via Finder.

How to use FTP on Mac via Terminal

Terminal is a powerful tool that gives you direct access to your computer’s command-line interface. You can also use it to enable FTP on a Mac. However, use it carefully, especially if you are unfamiliar with command-line operations. 1. Launch Terminal on your Mac. Go > Utilities > Terminal. 2. In the Terminal window, type in the server address to connect to the FTP server. Ensure you use the following format: ftp://ftp.domain.com. Once done, press return on your keyboard. 3. You will be prompted to enter your username and password for the FTP server. Once connected, you can navigate and work with the server’s files using the standard commands below: ls — command will display a list of all files and folders in the current directory on the FTP server. cd — command allows you to change to a different folder by typing cd followed by the folder name. get — command lets you download a file from the server to your Mac by typing get followed by the file name. put — command allows you to upload a file from your Mac to the server by typing put followed by the file name. quit — command will close your connection to the FTP server.

FTP is one of the easiest and fastest ways to upload your website content to your hosting account. You may use your preferred FTP client; here, we will use the Core FTP client. To connect using Core FTP: 1. You may need your FTP account details. To see information, please see the guide here. 2. FTP client application. Download the client from the official website here and install it. 3. Once the application is installed, open the Core FTP client. 4. Click the Sites tab from the top-side menu and choose the Site Manager option. 5. Fill out the FTP connection details, then click Connect to establish the connection. You can now start transferring files between your computer and the remote server. To upload a file to the FTP server, select (highlight) the file in the local directory listing, right-click on the selected file, select upload, or click and drag the file over to the remote directory listing.

Cyberduck is a versatile FTP client with cloud integration that is widely recommended for Mac users. Known for its intuitive graphical interface, it simplifies managing files on remote servers. This guide focuses on connecting to FTP using Cyberduck on Mac, specifically in conjunction with cPanel. 1. Access cPanel directly through your Z.com account. 2. Once you have reached the cPanel dashboard, locate FTP Accounts under Files. 3. Scroll down to the FTP Accounts section. Aligned with your desired FTP account, under Actions, click Configure FTP Client. 4. Manual Settings show your FTP account details. Configuration Files allow you to download the essential files that store settings and parameters for various services, applications, and features on your hosting account. Under Cyberduck (for Mac), click Instructions (new window). 5. Following the instructions, step one is to install Cyberduck if you have not already done so. 6. Once done, download the FTP or SFTP configuration and save it to your desktop. 7. Double-click on the downloaded file. Cyberduck will open the downloaded file and log you into your FTP account. 8. Enter the password for your FTP account to log in. 9. Done! Once you have successfully connected to your FTP account, you will see the file hierarchy, where you can access and manage files under your hosting account.

To access your special or custom FTP account, you must locate the respective FTP username and password, which can be found in your cPanel or hosting account settings.    

For SFTP (default cPanel account)

An SFTP (special FTP) account is the primary FTP account automatically created by the system when you set up your hosting. It is linked to your hosting account’s administrative access and cannot be deleted or modified. This account provides the default, secure method for managing your files. In contrast, you can create and customise custom FTP accounts. These accounts allow for more specific file access and can be restricted to certain directories. They are ideal for giving other users controlled access to your hosting without granting full administrative privileges. 1. Access cPanel directly through your Z.com account. 2. Once you have reached the cPanel dashboard, locate FTP Accounts under Files. 3. Scroll down to the Special FTP Accounts section. Under Actions, click Configure FTP Client. 4. Your SFTP details should look similar to the following. Note that the password is the same as your cPanel login password.

For FTP (custom FTP account)

1. Access cPanel directly through your Z.com account. 2. Once you have reached the cPanel dashboard, locate FTP Accounts under Files. 3. Scroll down to the FTP Accounts section, where you will see a list of all FTP accounts with access to your server. Under Actions, click Configure FTP Client. 4. Your FTP details should look similar to the following. 5. You can reset the password by clicking Change Password under Actions if you have forgotten it. Once done, click Change Password to save changes.

An FTP account allows a user to access website hosting files. If you own a website, you can create multiple FTP accounts and designate each account with selective access to directories within your domain. You can also delete an FTP account for any unwanted access. Additional FTP accounts can be created and deleted from your cPanel anytime.    

Create an FTP account

1. Access cPanel directly through your Z.com account. 2. Once you have reached the cPanel dashboard, locate FTP Accounts under Files. 3. Under the Add FTP Account section, fill in the blank fields accordingly. Below is a brief description of what to fill in the blank fields. - Log In field: A username you want to use. For example, if you use ftpusername, the FTP user will be ftpusername@yourdomain.com. - Password and Password (Again) fields: Enter a strong password and retype it. If you need help creating a strong password, click the Password Generator option. - Directory field: When creating an FTP account, the directory field sets the account’s top-level access. • cPanel auto-fills a suggested path, such as public_html/yourdomain.com/ftpusername, based on the username and selected domain. • You can edit this by deleting everything after public_html/ and specifying a custom directory (e.g. ftpusername grants access to /home/user/ftpusername/). • Entering “/” in the field grants access to the home directory, which includes files outside the public_html folder.

*Note: Removing the predefined folder name (ftpusername) from the directory field adjusts the path to provide access to the website’s root directory. For example — Suggested Path: public_html/ftpusername Modified Path: public_html/ (removing “ftpusername”) Result: The FTP account gains access to the root of your website’s files.

- Quota field: Enter the MB you desire for the FTP account. You may also leave the Unlimited option by default. Once done, click Create FTP Account. 4. Done! Successfully created FTP accounts will be under the FTP Accounts section.

Change the password for an FTP account

If you have forgotten or need to change your FTP account password, you can easily reset it by following the steps below. 1. Following the above screenshot, aligned with the FTP account, click Change Password. 2. In the provided fields, enter and confirm your new password for the FTP account. Once done, click Change Password. 3. Done!

Delete an FTP account

1. Following step 5 above (Create an FTP account), you can delete an FTP account under the FTP Accounts section. Aligned with the FTP account that you wish to remove, click Delete. 2. Click Delete to remove the FTP account only. This will not remove the files in the FTP account’s home directory. *Only select the Delete the User’s Home Directory option to remove the FTP account and all of the files that the FTP account’s home directory contains. 3. Done! Successfully deleted FTP accounts will be removed from the FTP Accounts section.

FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is a method used to transfer files between a computer client* and a server* over the Internet. It allows users upload, download, and manage files on a website's server. Web developers and administrators often use FTP to transfer large files, such as website content, images, and videos, between their local computers and the hosting servers. What you need to know about FTP: • Supports transferring multiple files and directories at once. • Allows resuming uploads/downloads if the internet connection is interrupted. • Lets you queue items during the upload/download process. • Enables scheduling file transfers. • Handles large file uploads with ease. * FTP account: An FTP account is a user login information like: Server host, UserName and Password that lets you connect to a server to upload, download, or manage files. This account is commonly used by website administrators/developers to transfer files to and from a server. * Client: The client is the device or computer you use to start a file transfer. It sends requests to upload or download files. For example, when you use an FTP client like FileZilla, your computer “the client” sends commands to the server. * Server: The server is the remote computer or web hosting system that stores the website contents. It responds to the client’s requests by allowing file uploads, downloads, or any other file management tasks. The server typically holds website files, application data, or any content that needs to be accessed or modified by the client. You may also refer here for a guide on uploading website content via FTP.