FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is the most direct way to upload, download, or modify your website files on the server. It is essential because it gives you complete control over your hosting, much faster and more flexible than the cPanel file manager.
Have you ever needed to urgently update your website and found the cPanel file manager slow or limited? That’s exactly where FTP becomes your best ally. It allows you to work as if the files were on your own computer.
What exactly is FTP?
FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol. It is a system created in 1971 (yes, it’s over 50 years old!) that allows you to move files between your computer and your web hosting server.
Think of it as a direct bridge between your PC and your website folder on the Internet.
Today, it is still essential because it offers total control: you can upload hundreds of files at the same time, edit them directly on the server, make complete backups, or migrate entire sites in minutes.
How does FTP work step by step?
It works with two separate channels:
- Control channel (port 21): this is where commands are sent (“upload this file,” “delete that one,” “create folder”).
- Data channel: where the files actually travel.
There are two modes of operation:
- Active: the server opens a connection to your computer (often fails with modern routers).
- Passive (most commonly used today): your computer opens both connections to the server. It always works, even behind strict firewalls.
When you use a program such as FileZilla or Cyberduck, all this happens automatically. You just drag and drop files.
What is FTP really used for in web hosting?
Some real uses by users:
- Upload entire WordPress, Prestashop, or HTML sites in minutes.
- Update templates or themes en masse.
- Make complete backups of the site before making major changes.
- Quickly correct errors by editing .php or .htaccess files directly.
- Migrate websites from one hosting provider to another (especially useful when you come to Neolo).
How to connect to your hosting via FTP (step by step)
For example, if you are a Neolo user, we make it super easy for you:
- Log in to your Neolo cPanel.
- Look for the “FTP Accounts” section.
- Create a new account (or use the main one you already have).
- Download FileZilla (it’s free and the best).
- Enter this information:
- Host: your domain or the server IP
- Username: the one you created in cPanel
- Password: the one you chose
- Port: 21 (or better yet, use port 22 with SFTP, which is more secure)
That’s it! You can now see all your site’s files as if they were a normal Windows or Mac folder.
Little-known tips that almost no one talks about regarding FTP
- You can create FTP accounts limited to specific folders. This is ideal if you have an external designer or programmer and don’t want to give them full access.
- Always use SFTP (port 22) instead of normal FTP. In some cases, it is enabled by default and encrypts the entire transfer. Regular FTP is “plain text” and passwords can be intercepted.
- Speed tip: if your connection is slow, lower the number of “simultaneous transfers” in FileZilla to 2-3. Paradoxically, it will be faster than trying to upload 10 files at once.
- Here’s a secret feature: If you create the FTP account with the format user+domain.com (example: backup+mydomain.com), that account can only access the specific domain folder. Perfect for clients with multiple sites.
Conclusion
FTP is not an outdated technology: it is proven technology that remains the most powerful and flexible way to manage your website files. In combination with Neolo’s cPanel, you get the best of both worlds: ease of use + total control.
Mastering it saves you hours of work and gives you peace of mind knowing that you can recover or modify anything in minutes.
Frequently asked questions about FTP
Is FTP safe to use?
Normal FTP is not so safe. Always use SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol).
Can I use FTP from my cell phone?
Yes. Apps such as AndFTP (Android) or FileZilla mobile (iOS) work perfectly.
How many files can I upload at once?
We believe there is no real limit. There are cases of users who uploaded 50,000 files in a single session without any problems.
FileZilla or WinSCP?
FileZilla is easier for beginners. WinSCP is better if you work with many sites at once.