File Transfer Protocol (FTP) allows you to use desktop software like FileZilla or Cyberduck to bulk upload, download, and manage the files on your hosting subscription securely.
Finding Your Default FTP Credentials
Your primary FTP account uses the same username and password that you use to log in to Plesk via SSH. To view or change these credentials:
- Go to Websites & Domains.
- Click on FTP Access.
- Here you will see the primary system user. You can click on the user's name to update their password.
You can connect to FTP using your domain name as the Hostname (e.g., ftp.yourdomain.com), your system user as the Username, and using port 21. We highly recommend configuring your FTP client to require Explicit FTP over TLS for encrypted and secure transfers!
Creating Additional FTP Users
If you are working with a developer or an agency, you should never give them your primary server credentials. Instead, you can create a restricted FTP account.
- In the FTP Access menu, click Add an FTP Account.
- Provide an Account Name and a secure password.
- The most crucial step: Set the Home directory. By default, it will give them access to the root folder (
/). If they are only working on a specific sub-site, point their directory path directly to/httpdocs/subsite. They will be physically unable to view or alter files in parent directories. - Click OK.
