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Make your first FTP connection to your hosting

This guide walks you through linking your computer to your website files with FTP, with tips for each setting.

Files and FTP2 min read10 steps

What is an FTP connection?

FTP means File Transfer Protocol. It is a set of rules for moving files between two computers. Your computer is one. The hosting server is the other. You need a free helper program called an FTP client. FileZilla and WinSCP are well-known examples.

Get your details ready

Find these in your Hostvento welcome email. If you lost it, sign in to the client area or ask support.

  • Host name: your domain or the server address.
  • Username and password: your hosting login or an FTP account made in cPanel.
  • Port: 21 for FTP. 22 for SFTP.

SFTP is a safer form. It scrambles everything you send. Ask Hostvento support whether it is open on your plan.

Steps in FileZilla

  1. Install FileZilla Client from its official website.
  2. Click File, then Site Manager.
  3. Click New Site and give it a name, such as "My website".
  4. Set Protocol. Choose FTP, or SFTP if you have it.
  5. Type the host name in Host.
  6. Type the port in Port.
  7. Set Logon Type to Normal.
  8. Type your User and Password.
  9. Click Connect.
  10. If you see an unknown certificate message, check the host name, tick the box to always trust it, and click OK.

After you connect

You will see your own files on the left and server files on the right. Open public_html on the right. Upload your site files there. Check the message window at the top for errors.

Warning: files with the same name are overwritten without much warning. Download a backup of the server files before you upload new ones.

Tip: If transfers freeze, open Edit, Settings, Connection, FTP and try switching between Active and Passive mode. Passive works best for most people.

Common problems

  • Login failed: retype the username and password by hand.
  • Timeout: your network may block port 21. Try another network.
  • Still stuck: open a support ticket.

Quick recap

  • You need host, username, password and port.
  • Use Site Manager in FileZilla to save the connection.
  • Upload website files to public_html.
  • Try passive mode if transfers stall.