FTP and SFTP let you upload, download and edit files on your hosting account from a desktop client. We strongly recommend SFTP over plain FTP - it encrypts your password and file transfers, while plain FTP sends them in clear text.
What you need
- An FTP client. We recommend FileZilla (free, Windows / Mac / Linux). Cyberduck and WinSCP also work well.
- Your FTP username (usually the same as your cPanel username).
- Your FTP password (same as your cPanel password by default).
- Your server's hostname - on the welcome e-mail or visible in cPanel under General Information.
Connection details
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Host | yourdomain.co.za (or the server hostname) |
| Protocol | SFTP - SSH File Transfer Protocol |
| Port | 22 (SFTP) or 21 (FTP, not recommended) |
| Username | your cPanel username |
| Password | your cPanel password |
Step-by-step in FileZilla
- Open FileZilla → File → Site Manager → New Site.
- Enter the host, set Protocol to SFTP - SSH File Transfer Protocol, port 22.
- Logon Type: Normal. Enter username and password.
- Click Connect. Accept the host key fingerprint on first connect.
- The right pane shows your server. Navigate into
public_html/to find your website files. Drag files between left (your computer) and right (server) to upload or download.
Creating an additional FTP account
If you want to give a designer or developer their own FTP login (instead of sharing your master cPanel password), create a separate FTP account:
- cPanel → FTP Accounts.
- Set login name (e.g. "designer"), pick a strong password, set the home directory to a sub-folder like
public_html/wp-content/themes/mythemefor least-privilege access. - Click Create FTP Account. The credentials are shown on screen and e-mailed.
Open your hosting account Need extra FTP storage space?
Need a hand?
The Trinico Cloud team is in South Africa and replies during local business hours. Reach us via WhatsApp, e-mail or a support ticket - whichever suits you best.
