Determine Server Hostname for FTP/SFTP Connection

Here's how to determine the hostname to use when connecting to your server via FTP or SFTP. The primary deciding factor is whether your domain has been pointed to the server.

If it has, you can use either the domain name, server's IP address or server's hostname. You can use the cPanel user account to connect if you haven't created any FTP accounts.

Related Articles

Create FTP Account
View Account Technical Details

Determine Hostname for FTP/SFTP

1. Be aware of the difference between SFTP and FTPs - they are completely different protocols.
   
   1. SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol/Secure File Transfer Protocol) was designed as an extension of SSH to provide file transfer capability, so it usually uses only the SSH port for both data and control
      1. The default SFTP port number for VPSs and Dedicated Servers is 22
      2. The SFTP port number for shared servers is 2222
   2. FTPS is FTP with SSL for security
      1. It uses a control channel and opens new connections for the data transfer
      2. As it uses SSL, it requires a certificate
      3. The port number is 21
2. SFTP can only be used for the cPanel username (because SFTP is a file transfer over SSH)
   NOTE: Only the cPanel username has access to SSH.
   EXAMPLE: userna5
3. FTP/FTPS allows connection from both the cPanel user and any FTP accounts created within cPanel
   EXAMPLE: ftpuser@example.com
   TIP: View this article for more information of how to create FTP accounts. 
4. FTP/SFTP/FTPs connections can be completed with the IP address, server hostname, or any other domain that resolves to the server needing to be accessed
   TIP: The server IP can be found within cPanel within the right-hand General Information panel. It is seen either as the Shared IP Address or Dedicated IP Address.
   
   TIP: The server's hostname can be found in the Account Technical Details link in AMP in the block of icons beneath your primary domain name.