Understanding FTP and SFTP: A Guide to Secure File Transfers

Updating your website means getting files to your server, but the process can feel like a chore when simply navigating in a conventional hosting panel. FTP and SFTP are essential tools for managing files on your server. Whether you’re uploading website content or downloading backups, these protocols offer a straightforward method to handle your site’s files, though they aren’t quite the same.

In this guide, we’ll break down what these tools are, how to use them effectively, and why they matter for keeping your website secure and up-to-date.

What are FTP and SFTP?

Let’s start off with the essentials. FTP, or File Transfer Protocol, is like the grandparent of internet file transfers—it’s been around since the web’s early days and remains a straightforward way to shuttle files between your computer and server. Consider it a digital courier: you connect to your server, browse its folders, upload new content, download backups, or even tweak perms, all with a setup that feels a lot like managing files on your own desktop. It’s simple, reliable, and gets the job done.

Of course, there’s a hitch. FTP sends everything (your login details included) in plain text. Think of it the same as mailing a postcard: anyone who intercepts it can peek at the contents. Even if you do everything right, the risk is inherent. Enter SFTP, or Secure File Transfer Protocol, a modern upgrade that puts safety first. Keeping the analogy alive, SFTP is like a sealed, tamper-proof envelope. Built on SSH (Secure Shell), it encrypts both your commands and data to ensure your transfers stay secure and private. Updating a blog, managing sensitive files, etc., SFTP provides a peace of mind FTP lacks.

Simply put, both tools let you move files, but SFTP’s security makes it the clear winner for today’s site owners—especially for those working over public wifi and/or handling anything confidential.

How to use FTP and SFTP

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s get you connected. Whether you use FTP or SFTP (… use SFTP), the process is essentially the same, starting with a few key pieces of info. In these next steps, we’ll explain what those are.

Choose an FTP Client. If you don’t have one, we recommend FileZilla.
When connecting to a server in your FTP client, you’ll be prompted for the following connection settings:
- Hostname: Your server’s IP or domain name (e.g., example.com).
- Username: Your FTP or SFTP username.
- Password: Your FTP password.
- Port: Use Port 21 for FTP and Port 22 for SFTP.
Once you’ve entered these details and connected, you should see lists for both your local and remote files that you can now manage and transfer between.

Key settings know

Connecting is just the beginning. It helps to tweak some additional settings to go from functional to optimal. One option is specifying a directory path. Some clients let you set a default folder, so when you log in, you land exactly where you want to be—like your website’s root directory, or a common media directory you’re frequently uploading to. A small time-saver that adds up when you’re in and out of a server regularly.

Another setting is passive mode. This little trick helps FTP play nice with firewalls, which can sometimes block connections. Most clients enable it by default, but if you’re struggling to connect, double-check that it’s on (in FileZilla, it’s under Protocol settings › FTP and FTP over TLS (FTPS) › Passive mode). Then there’s connection limits. When transferring a bunch of files, your client might try to speed things up by opening multiple connections at the same time. That’s great—until it overwhelms the server. Keep it smooth by capping the amount of simultaneous connections and staying aware of your host’s limits.

These adjustments may not seem like game changers, but they’re the kind of tweaks that make file transfers feel effortless.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with a solid setup, hiccups happen. The good news? Most are easy to fix. If you’re uploading a hefty file and the connection drops, don’t start over. Many clients offer a “resume” feature to pick up where you left off. Check your client’s options and give it a shot.

Timeouts can also sneak up during long uploads. Some servers disconnect after a few idle minutes, so either stay active by browsing folders or choose a client that allows the option of sending “Keep Alive” signals to passively stay connected.

If you run into permission issues, like failing to upload to a particular folder, your FTP user may be lacking the right access level. Check the folder’s permissions or switch to a user with broader privileges (like the root user, if your host allows it).

These bumps are normal, so don’t get discouraged, and simply consider them a part of the learning curve.

Why it matters for your site

FTP and SFTP aren’t just tech jargon–they’re your lifeline to keeping your website fresh, functional and secure. FTP offers simplicity for quick transfers, but now that you’re in the know, stick with SFTP. Its encryption makes it a no-brainer for protecting your data. Combine these best practices with a powerful security solution, and you’ve got the foundation for a site ready to thrive.