How to Connect to FTP Server Using FileZilla

FileZilla is a free, well-known FTP program for Windows, macOS and Linux. If someone gave you the login details for an FTP server (host, username and password) and you don’t know what to do with them, this guide is for you. I show you how to connect to an external FTP or SFTP server with FileZilla Client, how to upload and download files, and three settings I always change: passive mode, 10 simultaneous transfers and a speed limit.

Download FileZilla Client (official website)

All versions: Windows, macOS, Linux

Only download FileZilla from the official website. You need FileZilla Client, not FileZilla Server and not the paid FileZilla Pro.

In this article

1. Step 1: Install FileZilla
2. Step 2: Get to know the FileZilla window
3. Step 3: Connect to an FTP server
4. Step 4: Upload and download files
5. Step 5: Set passive mode (fix connection errors)
6. Step 6: Allow 10 simultaneous transfers
7. Step 7: Set a download and upload speed limit

Step 1: Install FileZilla

1. Double-click the setup file you downloaded. If Windows asks, click Run.
2. Click I Agree, then Next.
3. If the installer offers extra software (in my case it was McAfee WebAdvisor), uncheck it and click Next.
4. Click Finish with Start FileZilla now checked.

Step 2: Get to know the FileZilla window

On the left side you see your own computer (Local site). On the right side you see the server (Remote site) once you are connected. At the top is the Quickconnect bar with the fields Host, Username, Password and Port.

Step 3: Connect to an FTP server

1. Open FileZilla.
2. In the Host field of the Quickconnect bar, enter the address of the server, for example ftp.example.com or the IP address of the FTP server.
3. Enter your username. Your hosting provider or the server owner gives it to you. Some hosts use your domain name: write it in lowercase and without “www.”.
4. Enter your password, for example the FTP or SSH password you set in your hosting control panel.
5. Enter the port: 21 for FTP, or leave the field empty. For SFTP, use port 22.
6. Click Quickconnect or press Enter to connect to the server.
7. If you get a warning about an unknown host key or an unknown certificate, check the details and click OK.

Note: Remember to replace example.com with your own domain, or with the IP address of your FTP server.

Step 4: Upload and download files

• Create a folder on the server: right-click in the right panel and select Create directory.
• Upload a file: drag it from the left panel (your computer) to the right panel (the server).
• Download a file: in the left panel, open the folder where you want to save it, for example your Desktop. Then right-click the file in the right panel and select Download, or drag it to the left panel.
• If the file already exists, FileZilla asks what to do. Choose Overwrite (or another option) and click OK.

Step 5: Set passive mode (fix connection errors)

If you get an error when you connect or when FileZilla loads the folder list, check the transfer mode first:

1. Go to Edit > Settings.
2. Open Connection > FTP.
3. Under Transfer Mode, select Passive (recommended).
4. Click OK.

If you still can’t connect to the server, try Active mode instead.

Step 6: Allow 10 simultaneous transfers

1. Go to Edit > Settings > Transfers.
2. Set Maximum simultaneous transfers to 10.
3. Click OK.

Now FileZilla uploads or downloads several files at the same time. I use 10, the maximum, because my internet connection is very fast. On a slow connection, a lower number is better.

Step 7: Set a download and upload speed limit

1. Open the Transfer menu and go to Speed limits > Configure.
2. Check Enable speed limits.
3. Enter your Download limit and Upload limit.
4. Click OK.

FileZilla now stays below these limits, so the rest of your internet connection stays free for other things.