Troubleshooting FTP and SFTP Connection Issues Print

FTP/SFTP Connection Troubleshooting

This guide helps resolve common FTP and SFTP connection problems.

FTP Connection Settings

Issue 1: Connection Refused or Timeout

Check These First:

1. Correct hostname: Use your domain name or server IP
2. Correct port: FTP uses 21, SFTP uses 22
3. Firewall: Your local firewall may block outgoing connections
4. ISP blocking: Some ISPs block port 21

FileZilla Settings:

1. Open Site Manager (File > Site Manager)
2. Protocol: FTP - File Transfer Protocol
3. Encryption: Use explicit FTP over TLS if available
4. Logon Type: Normal

Issue 2: Authentication Failed

Find/Reset FTP Credentials:

1. Log into Plesk
2. Go to Websites & Domains
3. Click FTP Access
4. View existing FTP accounts or create a new one
5. Reset password if needed

Username Format:

• Use the full FTP username as shown in Plesk
• Format may be: username or username@domain.com
• Username is case-sensitive

Issue 3: Directory Listing Failed

Switch Transfer Mode:

In FileZilla:

1. Go to Edit > Settings
2. Select Connection > FTP
3. Change Transfer Mode to Passive

Firewall Configuration:

• Passive mode requires firewall to allow dynamic ports
• Active mode requires incoming connections (often blocked)
• Passive mode is recommended for most situations

Issue 4: SSL/TLS Certificate Errors

Certificate Warning:

If you see a certificate warning:

1. Verify the server name matches your hosting
2. Click OK to trust the certificate
3. Optionally check "Always trust this certificate"

Disable Certificate Verification (not recommended):

In FileZilla Site Manager:

• Encryption: Only use plain FTP (insecure)
• Use only for testing, not production

Issue 5: File Upload Errors

Permission Denied:

• Verify FTP account has write permissions
• Check if uploading to correct directory
• Disk space may be full - check hosting quota

File Already Exists:

• Choose overwrite action in FTP client
• Delete existing file first if needed

Issue 6: Cannot Connect via SFTP

SFTP Requirements:

• SFTP may not be available on all hosting plans
• Contact support to verify SFTP access
• Uses SSH (port 22), different from FTP

FileZilla SFTP Settings:

1. Site Manager > New Site
2. Protocol: SFTP - SSH File Transfer Protocol
3. Port: 22
4. Logon Type: Normal

Recommended FTP Clients

• FileZilla (Windows/Mac/Linux) - Free, feature-rich
• WinSCP (Windows) - Free, supports SFTP/SCP
• Cyberduck (Mac/Windows) - Free, user-friendly

Quick Troubleshooting Checklist

1. ☐ Correct hostname and port
2. ☐ FTP account exists in Plesk
3. ☐ Using correct username format
4. ☐ Password is correct (reset if unsure)
5. ☐ Passive mode enabled
6. ☐ Local firewall allows FTP
7. ☐ TLS/encryption settings match server