Managing multiple FTP accounts enhances organization, security, and access delegation for your website's files.
You can create accounts with tailored permissions and quotas for different users or purposes, simplifying collaboration and content management.
1: Log in to cPanel
Access your cPanel account by navigating to https://yourdomain.com/cpanel or through your hosting provider’s client area.
Enter your cPanel username and password to log in.
2: Navigate to FTP Accounts
In the cPanel dashboard, locate the Files section.
Click on FTP Accounts to open the FTP management interface.
3: Create a New FTP Account
In the Add FTP Account section, fill in the required fields:
Log in: Enter a username (e.g., developer1@yourdomain.com).
Password: Create a strong password or use the Password Generator for a secure option.
Directory: Specify the directory this account can access (e.g., /public_html/developer1). This restricts the user to the specified folder.
Quota: Set a disk space limit (e.g., 500 MB) or select Unlimited.
Click Create FTP Account. The new account will appear in the FTP Accounts table.
4: Manage Existing FTP Accounts
The FTP Accounts table allows you to manage existing accounts.
You can:
Change Password: Click Change Password to update the password for an account.
Change Quota: Click Change Quota to modify the disk space limit.
Delete Account: Click Delete to remove the account. Choose whether to delete only the account or the account and its associated files (use caution, as deleting files may break your website).
5: Configure FTP Clients for Team Members
Each team member will need an FTP client to connect to the server.
Below are some that we recommend:
Commander One: Best for macOS users needing dual-pane and cloud integration
CoreFTP: Suited for Windows users requiring automation features
Cyberduck: Ideal for beginners and cross-platform use with a modern UI
Fetch: Perfect for macOS users wanting simplicity and native integration
FileZilla: Best for all users due to versatility and cross-platform support
WinSCP: Great for Windows users needing scripting and advanced syncing.
6: Best Practices for Team Collaboration
Assign Specific Directories: Create separate directories for each team member (e.g., /public_html/developer1, /public_html/designer1) to avoid conflicts.
Use SFTP for Security: If your hosting provider supports SFTP, use port 22 for encrypted transfers.
Monitor FTP Connections: In cPanel, go to FTP Connections under the Files section to view active connections and terminate unauthorized ones.
Regular Backups: Use cPanel’s Backup Wizard to create backups before major changes to avoid data loss.
Communicate Credentials Securely: Share FTP usernames and passwords via secure channels (e.g., encrypted email or a password manager).
7: Troubleshooting Common Issues
Connection Refused: Ensure the hostname, username, password, and port are correct. Verify that your hosting provider allows FTP/SFTP access.
Permission Denied: Check that the FTP account has access to the specified directory and that the directory exists.
Quota Exceeded: Increase the quota in the FTP Accounts table or delete unnecessary files.
Slow Transfers: Use an FTP client with resume support for large files.