Creating FTP Accounts
Create FTP account → Get FTP details → Configure FileZilla → Connect.
1. Create the FTP account
-
Log in to DirectAdmin.
- Go to Account Manager → FTP Management.
- Under FTP Management, enter:
- FTP username.
- Password: create a strong password and confirm it.
- Directory: Select “Domain” which is the root directory in File Manager
Click Create FTP Account.
Important: The directory determines what the FTP user can access. If you want them to manage the website files, /public_html is usually appropriate.
2. Get the FTP connection details
You'll need these four things:
|
FileZilla field |
Typical value |
|
Host |
ftp.yourdomain.co.za |
|
Username |
The FTP username you created |
|
Password |
The FTP account password |
|
Port |
21 |
|
Protocol |
FTP |
|
Encryption |
Only use plain FTP |
If ftp.yourdomain.co.za isn't working, you can generally use the server hostname or server IP instead.
3. Configure FileZilla
- Open FileZilla.
- Click File → Site Manager.
- Click New site.
- Give it a name, e.g. My Website.
- Enter:
Protocol:
FTP - File Transfer Protocol
FTP - File Transfer Protocol
Host:
ftp.yourdomain.co.za
ftp.yourdomain.co.za
Port:
21
21
Encryption:
Use explicit FTP over TLS if available
Use explicit FTP over TLS if available
Logon Type:
Normal
Normal
User:
Your FTP username
Your FTP username
Password:
Your FTP password
Your FTP password
- Click Connect.
4. Accept the certificate
If FileZilla displays a certificate warning the first time you connect:
- Check that the certificate is for the correct server/domain.
- If everything looks correct, accept it.
You should then see the server's files on the right-hand side of FileZilla.
Your computer's files are on the left-hand side.
5. Upload website files
To upload files:
- On the left, browse to the files on your computer.
- On the right, open the website's directory, normally public_html.
- Select the files/folders you want to upload.
- Drag them from left → right.
- Wait for the transfers to be completed.
Quick troubleshooting
If FileZilla gives "Connection timed out":
- Check the hostname.
- Check that port 21 is correct.
- Check whether the server firewall is blocking FTP.
If you get "530 Login authentication failed":
- Check the username/password.
- Make sure you're using the FTP account credentials, not necessarily the main hosting account password.
If you can log in but can't see or modify files:
- Check the FTP account's assigned directory and permissions.
