Step-by-Step Guide To How to Log in to FTP as a cPanel User Make it Rain Paper

Learn how to securely log in to FTP as a cPanel user. While FTP access is available, we recommend using SFTP for the primary cPanel user to ensure enhanced security. This guide covers both FTP and SFTP login processes.

Pre-requirements

• cPanel login credentials
• FTP client software (e.g., FileZilla, Cyberduck)
• SSH access (for SFTP)

Important Notes:

• Primary cPanel User: Always use SFTP over SSH for secure transfers.
• FTP Users: Must use the full username (e.g., ftpuser@domain.tld) and the FTP user's password to log in via port 21. FTP users do not have SFTP access.

Steps to Log in Using FTP

1. Open your FTP client (e.g., FileZilla).
2. Enter the following FTP login details:
   • Host: example_domain.com
   • Username: full FTP username (e.g., ftpuser@domain.tld)
   • Password: FTP user's password
   • Port: 21
3. Click Connect or Quickconnect to establish the connection.
4. Once connected, you can transfer files between your local machine and the server.

Steps to Log in Using SFTP (Primary cPanel User)

1. Open your FTP client or an SSH client.
2. Enter the following SFTP login details:
   • Host: example_domain.com
   • Username: cPanel username
   • Password: cPanel password (or use an SSH key for additional security)
   • Port: 22 (default SSH port)
3. If you're using a terminal, you can log in using this command:

   ssh cpaneluser@example_domain.com -p 22

4. Once connected, you can transfer files using SFTP, providing a secure connection.

Gotchas to Avoid

• Ensure you are using the correct port for the protocol. FTP uses port 21, and SFTP uses port 22.
• When logging in with FTP, ensure that you use the full username (e.g., ftpuser@domain.tld). Simply entering "ftpuser" will result in a login error.
• FTP users do not have SFTP access. Only the primary cPanel user can use SFTP.
• For better security, it is strongly recommended to use SFTP for file transfers instead of FTP.

By following these steps, you can successfully log in to FTP or SFTP as a cPanel user. Always prioritize security by using SFTP for the primary cPanel user, and ensure that FTP users are using the correct credentials and port for FTP access.