How to Create FTP Accounts in cPanel (Secure Access for File Management)
Want to allow team members, developers, or clients to upload files without giving full cPanel access? The easiest and safest way to do that is by creating FTP (File Transfer Protocol) accounts in cPanel.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to create, configure, and manage FTP accounts in cPanel, so users can upload or manage website files securely through an FTP client like FileZilla.
✅ Why Use FTP Accounts?
FTP accounts let you:
- Give access to specific folders (e.g.,
/public_html/testsite) - Upload large files easily via FTP clients
- Keep your main cPanel account secure
- Manage multiple users with limited permissions
Perfect for teams, developers, or clients needing partial access.
🚀 How to Create an FTP Account in cPanel
Step 1: Log in to cPanel
Go to yourdomain.com:2083 and log in using your hosting credentials.
Step 2: Open the FTP Accounts Tool
Under the Files section, click on FTP Accounts.
📝 Step 3: Fill Out the Account Details
You’ll now see a form to create a new FTP user:
- Login: Choose a username (e.g.,
client1) - Domain: Select the domain the account will use
- Password: Create a strong password (or use the generator)
- Directory: Set which folder this account can access. By default, it creates a folder with the same name as the username.
Example: swiftCopyEdit/home/username/public_html/client1/You can change this to any subdirectory you want. - Quota: Set a storage limit in MB, or choose Unlimited
Click Create FTP Account to finish.
🔗 How to Connect to FTP
To access the FTP account:
- Download and install an FTP client (e.g., FileZilla)
- Use these credentials:
- Host: yourdomain.com or your server IP
- Username: the full username (e.g.,
[email protected]) - Password: the one you just set
- Port: 21
Click Connect, and you’ll be inside the assigned folder.
🛠️ Managing FTP Accounts
Back in the FTP Accounts section, you can:
- Change Password
- Change Quota
- Delete Accounts
- Configure FTP Client – click to download a config file for easy setup in FileZilla or CoreFTP
🔐 Security Tips for FTP Access
- Only give access to necessary directories
- Use strong, unique passwords
- Disable or delete FTP accounts no longer in use
- Consider switching to SFTP (if your host supports it) for encrypted transfers
Creating FTP accounts in cPanel is a secure, efficient way to delegate file access without compromising your entire hosting environment. Whether you’re collaborating with developers or outsourcing a project, proper FTP management keeps things clean and secure.
Need help connecting or setting FTP permissions? Contact our support team — we’re here to guide you.