How to Create and Manage FTP Accounts in cPanel
Creating a separate FTP account is a smart way to give developers or collaborators access to your website files-without sharing your main cPanel login. With Vivint Host, setting up and managing FTP accounts is simple and secure. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Log in to cPanel and Access the FTP Accounts Section
Once you're logged into your cPanel dashboard, scroll down to the Files section and click on FTP Accounts.
Step 2: Fill in FTP Account Details
- Username: Choose a unique username for the new account.
- Password: Use the Password Generator to create a strong password. Make sure to save this password so you can share it with the person who needs access.
- Directory: This is a crucial step. If you want the user to access your website files directly, clear the pre-filled directory path and enter public_html. This gives them access to the root of your website files.
After filling in the details, click Create FTP Account.
Note: Setting the directory to public_html is essential. If you leave the default path, it will create a subdirectory under the username (e.g., /home/username/username) which won't contain your website files.
Step 3: Manage the FTP Account
Once the FTP account is created, you can return to the FTP Accounts section anytime to:
- Change the password
- Change quota
- Configure FTP client
- Delete the account
Step 4: Use the FTP Credentials in an FTP Client
To connect through an FTP client (like FileZilla or WinSCP), use the following details:
- Username: This will look like an email address, e.g., username@yourdomain.com
- Password: Use the one you generated during setup
- FTP Hostname: Typically, this will be ftp.yourdomain.com. However, on some servers, additional security configurations might require a different hostname. If unsure, contact Vivint Host’s 24/7 support.
- Port: Use port 21 and choose Explicit FTPS (FTP over TLS) for a secure connection
Conclusion
By creating FTP accounts through cPanel, you can give others controlled access to your files without compromising your main account credentials. At Vivint Host, our cloud servers are optimized for performance and security-so you can manage your files with confidence.
Need help? Our expert support team is available 24/7.