How to Set Up and Use SmartFTP Client
Learn how to set up and use SmartFTP for secure website file transfers. Configure FTP, FTPS, or SFTP, enter cPanel credentials, upload and download files, synchronize folders, manage permissions, automate transfers, and troubleshoot connection problems.
SmartFTP
SmartFTP is a commercial FTP client with support for FTP, FTPS, SFTP, WebDAV, and cloud storage such as Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, and Amazon S3. It is aimed at website and server file management. smartftp.com
Key Features
Protocols
FTP, FTPS, SFTP, WebDAV, and several cloud backends. FTP vs SFTP vs FTPS
Transfers
Multi-threaded and batch transfers, plus more than one session at a time.
Sync
Directory compare and synchronize (mirror, update, or custom).
Automation
Task scheduler for unattended transfers. Automating File Transfers
Download and Install
- Open the official SmartFTP download page.
- Choose the Windows or macOS build.
- Run the installer and launch SmartFTP.
Set Up a Connection
- Open SmartFTP.
- File → New Connection.
- Host: domain,
ftp.yourdomain.com, or server IP. - Username: complete FTP user (e.g.,
user@yourdomain.com) or the SSH username for SFTP. - Password, protocol (FTP, FTPS, or SFTP), and port (21 or 22 unless the host specifies another).
- Click Connect. Accept a trusted certificate or host key only.
- Need an account first? Create an FTP Account. SFTP still requires SSH access.
Transfer, Sync, and Schedule
Prefer FTPS or SFTP. A separately created FTP account does not automatically have SFTP access. Using SFTP with cPanel
Troubleshooting
| Issue | What to try |
|---|---|
| Connection failures | Check host, port, username, and protocol. Use Passive mode for FTP/FTPS. Connection troubleshooting |
| SFTP login fails | Confirm SSH is enabled and use the SSH account. |
| Sync surprises | Preview the sync method before Mirror, which can delete extra remote files. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does SmartFTP work on Windows and macOS?
Yes. SmartFTP is available for Windows and macOS and can connect with FTP, FTPS, SFTP, WebDAV, and several cloud services. It is not a Linux desktop client. If you also need Linux, use FileZilla or command-line sftp. Download SmartFTP from the developer’s site and check current licensing there. Other programs are compared in choosing an FTP client.
How do I connect SmartFTP to a cPanel server?
Open File → New Connection and enter the hostname from your host, the complete username such as user@yourdomain.com, and the password. Choose FTPS for an extra FTP account or SFTP when SSH is enabled. Use port 21 for FTP/FTPS and port 22 for SFTP unless the host lists another port. Save the connection after a successful test. Create the login with an FTP account in cPanel.
Can an extra cPanel FTP account use SFTP in SmartFTP?
Usually no. Extra FTP accounts are for FTP or FTPS and do not automatically get SSH. If SFTP fails with that username, edit the saved connection to FTPS on port 21. Use SFTP with the primary cPanel username only after the host enables SSH. Protocol differences are in FTP vs SFTP vs FTPS and using SFTP with cPanel.
When should I use Synchronize instead of a normal upload?
Use a regular drag-and-drop upload for a few new files. Use Tools → Synchronize when a local project folder should match public_html or another remote directory. Pick Mirror, Update, or Custom only after you confirm the direction, so live files are not overwritten by older local copies. Keep a backup first. Transfer basics are in uploading files with FTP.
Can SmartFTP run scheduled transfers?
Yes. Tools → Task Scheduler can repeat an upload, download, or sync on a timetable. Point the task at a saved FTPS or SFTP connection and a dedicated folder, not the whole home directory. Do not store the password in a public website file. Test the job once by hand before you leave it running. Related workflows are in automating file transfers.
Can I use SmartFTP for both cPanel and cloud storage?
Yes. Separate connections can point at a cPanel server and at Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, or Amazon S3. Keep website files and cloud backups as different sessions so a theme upload does not land in the wrong place. For the hosting side, open public_html or the addon domain’s document root before you transfer. A short primer is what FTP is used for.
How does SmartFTP compare with FileZilla or WinSCP?
SmartFTP adds multi-session windows, folder sync, a task scheduler, and cloud protocols in one paid-feature client. FileZilla is free on Windows, macOS, and Linux. WinSCP is the stronger free Windows choice for scripts and SSH keys. Choose SmartFTP if you want scheduling and cloud targets in the same app. See FileZilla setup and WinSCP setup.
Why can’t SmartFTP list the remote directory?
Check the protocol, complete username, hostname, and port. Extra FTP users need FTPS and often Passive mode. SFTP needs SSH and port 22. A firewall can accept the password and still block the listing. Confirm the home folder exists, then retry. More hosting notes are on the blog index.
FTP Tutorials and How-To Articles
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