Creating and Managing FTP Accounts on Hostinger

For anyone managing a website, the ability to transfer files efficiently and securely is paramount. Whether you’re uploading new themes, plugins, custom code, or performing essential backups, File Transfer Protocol (FTP) remains a fundamental tool in your webmaster arsenal. If you’re hosting your website with Hostinger, understanding how to create and manage FTP accounts is crucial for seamless site administration.

This in-depth guide will walk you through everything you need to know about setting up and using FTP on your Hostinger account, from the absolute basics to more advanced tips and troubleshooting. By the end, you’ll be confidently navigating your site’s files like a pro.

Table of Contents

• Understanding FTP and Why It’s Essential for Your Hostinger Website
• Prerequisites: What You Need Before You Start
• Step-by-Step Guide: Creating a New FTP Account on Hostinger
• Connecting to Your Hostinger FTP Account Using FileZilla (or other FTP Client)
• Managing Existing FTP Accounts on Hostinger
• SFTP vs. FTP: Understanding the Secure Difference on Hostinger
• Advanced FTP Usage Tips for Hostinger Users
• Troubleshooting Common Hostinger FTP Issues
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Understanding FTP and Why It’s Essential for Your Hostinger Website

At its core, FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is a standard network protocol used to transfer computer files between a client and server on a computer network. In the context of web hosting, your Hostinger server acts as the remote server, and your computer with an FTP client acts as the client.

Why is FTP indispensable for your Hostinger website?

• Website Management: Easily upload or download website files, including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, images, videos, and more. This is essential for manual updates, theme/plugin installations, or migrating content.
• Backup and Restore: Create local copies of your entire website files or specific directories, providing a safety net in case of data loss or errors. You can also upload backup files to restore your site.
• Troubleshooting: If your website experiences an issue, FTP allows you to access core files to diagnose and fix problems, even if your WordPress dashboard is inaccessible. You can disable problematic plugins or themes by renaming their folders via FTP.
• Permissions Management: Adjust file and directory permissions (CHMOD) to ensure proper security and functionality of your website components.
• Larger File Transfers: While Hostinger’s hPanel File Manager is excellent for quick edits, FTP clients are often more robust for transferring large numbers of files or very large individual files.

FTP vs. Hostinger’s File Manager

While both offer ways to manage your website files, they serve slightly different purposes:

For comprehensive file management, particularly when dealing with significant changes or backups, an FTP client is often the preferred choice.

Prerequisites: What You Need Before You Start

Before diving into the steps, ensure you have the following ready:

1. An Active Hostinger Account: You’ll need access to your Hostinger hPanel.
2. A Live Website/Hosting Plan: FTP accounts are tied to your hosting service.
3. An FTP Client: This is software you install on your computer to connect to your server. While many options exist, FileZilla is highly recommended due to its popularity, open-source nature, and robust features. You can download it for free from https://filezilla-project.org/.

Step-by-Step Guide: Creating a New FTP Account on Hostinger

Hostinger’s hPanel makes creating FTP accounts straightforward. Here’s how:

1. Log in to Your Hostinger hPanel:
   Open your web browser and go to Hostinger’s login page. Enter your email and password to access your hPanel.

   • Visual description: Screenshot showing the Hostinger hPanel login screen.

2. Navigate to the “FTP Accounts” Section:
   Once logged in, on your hPanel dashboard, locate the “Files” section. Underneath it, you’ll find “FTP Accounts.” Click on it.

   • Visual description: Screenshot highlighting the “Files” section and “FTP Accounts” option in hPanel.

3. Create a New FTP Account:
   You’ll see a page listing any existing FTP accounts. To create a new one, scroll down to the “Create New FTP Account” section.

   • Visual description: Screenshot showing the “Create New FTP Account” form within hPanel.

   You’ll need to fill in the following details:

   • FTP Username: Choose a unique username. Hostinger will often prefix this with your main hosting username (e.g., u123456789_yourchosenname). This part is usually automatically generated.
   • FTP Password: Create a strong, unique password. Use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. There’s a password generator available to help you.
   • Directory: This is crucial. It defines the folder your FTP user will have access to.

     • /public_html/: This is the root directory for your primary website. Granting access here means the user can access all files for your main domain. This is often the default and suitable for full website management.
     • /public_html/your_subdirectory/: If you want to grant access to a specific subfolder (e.g., for a developer working on a particular plugin, or a staging site), specify that path.
     • /: This grants access to the very root of your hosting account, including all domains and system files. Use this with extreme caution and only if you know exactly what you’re doing, as it grants full control over your entire hosting environment.

   Recommendation: For most users managing their main website, /public_html/ is the correct and safest choice.

4. Click “Create”:
   After filling in the details, click the “Create” button. Hostinger will then set up your new FTP account. You’ll see it listed in the “List of FTP Accounts” table above.

   • Visual description: Screenshot of the confirmation message or the newly created FTP account listed.

Important Note: Make sure to save your FTP username and password in a secure place. You will need these credentials to connect via an FTP client.

Connecting to Your Hostinger FTP Account Using FileZilla (or other FTP Client)

Once you have your FTP account credentials, it’s time to connect using an FTP client like FileZilla.

1. Download and Install FileZilla:
   If you haven’t already, download the FileZilla Client from https://filezilla-project.org/ and install it on your computer.

2. Gather Your FTP Connection Details:
   You’ll need four pieces of information:

   • Host (Server): This is usually your domain name (e.g., yourdomain.com) or your server’s IP address. You can find this in your Hostinger hPanel under “Details” for your hosting plan.

   • Username: The full FTP username you created (e.g., u123456789_yourchosenname).

   • Password: The password you set for the FTP account.

   • Port:

     • For standard FTP, the port is 21.
     • For SFTP (Secure FTP), the port is 22. (More on SFTP later).

   • Visual description: Screenshot showing where to find FTP connection details within Hostinger hPanel’s “FTP Accounts” or “Details” section.

3. Connect Using FileZilla:

   There are two main ways to connect in FileZilla:

   • A. Quickconnect (for one-time connections):
     At the top of the FileZilla window, you’ll see a Quickconnect bar.

     • Host: Enter your domain name or IP address.
     • Username: Enter your full FTP username.
     • Password: Enter your FTP password.
     • Port: Enter 21 (or 22 for SFTP).
       Click “Quickconnect.”

   • B. Site Manager (Recommended for frequently accessed sites):

     1. Go to “File” > “Site Manager” (or click the Site Manager icon in the toolbar).
     2. Click “New Site.” Give your site a descriptive name (e.g., “My Hostinger Site”).
     3. In the “General” tab:

        • Protocol: Select FTP - File Transfer Protocol or SFTP - SSH File Transfer Protocol. For standard FTP, stick with FTP.
        • Host: Enter your domain name or IP.
        • Port: Enter 21 for FTP or 22 for SFTP.
        • Encryption: For FTP, choose Use plain FTP (insecure) or Require explicit FTP over TLS (if available and preferred for more security). For SFTP, this will be automatically handled.
        • Logon Type: Select Normal.
        • User: Enter your full FTP username.
        • Password: Enter your FTP password.

     4. Click “Connect.”

   • Visual description: Screenshot of FileZilla’s Site Manager window with connection details filled in.

4. Navigating Files in FileZilla:
   Once connected, the FileZilla interface will show two main panes:

   • Left Pane (Local Site): Your computer’s files and folders.
   • Right Pane (Remote Site): Your Hostinger server’s files and folders. The public_html folder is where your website files reside.

   To transfer files, simply drag and drop them between the local and remote site panes. You can also right-click files/folders for options like “Upload,” “Download,” “Delete,” “Rename,” and “File permissions.”

   • Visual description: Screenshot of the FileZilla interface after a successful connection, showing local and remote panes.

Managing Existing FTP Accounts on Hostinger

Hostinger provides tools within hPanel to manage your existing FTP accounts, including changing passwords, modifying access, and deleting accounts.

1. Accessing FTP Account Management:
   Log in to your Hostinger hPanel, go to “Files” > “FTP Accounts.” You’ll see a list of your created FTP accounts.

   • Visual description: Screenshot of the “List of FTP Accounts” section in hPanel.

2. Changing FTP Passwords:
   Next to each FTP account in the list, you’ll see an “Edit” (pencil) icon. Click on it.

   • Enter a New Password and Repeat Password.

   • Click “Update.”
     Remember to update the password in your FTP client’s Site Manager if you’ve saved the credentials there.

   • Visual description: Screenshot showing the “Edit” option and the password change form.

3. Modifying Directory Access (Not Directly Available for Existing Accounts):
   Hostinger generally ties the directory to the FTP account creation. If you need to change the directory an FTP account can access, you typically need to:

   • Delete the existing FTP account.
   • Create a brand new FTP account with the desired username and the new directory path.
     This ensures security and clear access rules.

4. Deleting FTP Accounts:
   If an FTP account is no longer needed (e.g., a developer has finished their work, or you created one for a temporary task), it’s good practice to delete it for security reasons.

   • Find the FTP account in the “List of FTP Accounts.”

   • Click the “Delete” (trash can) icon next to it.

   • Confirm the deletion when prompted.

   • Visual description: Screenshot showing the “Delete” option for an FTP account.

SFTP vs. FTP: Understanding the Secure Difference on Hostinger

When discussing FTP, you’ll often hear the term SFTP. While both facilitate file transfer, there’s a critical difference in security.

• FTP (File Transfer Protocol): Transmits data, including your username and password, in plain text. This means if someone intercepts the connection, they can potentially steal your credentials and access your server.
• SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol): This is a secure version of FTP that operates over the SSH (Secure Shell) protocol. It encrypts both the data and the authentication information, making it much more secure against eavesdropping and interception.

Why SFTP is preferred, especially on Hostinger:

Hostinger provides SFTP access for all its hosting plans. Using SFTP is highly recommended because:

• Data Encryption: All data transferred, including sensitive information like passwords, is encrypted.
• Authentication Security: Your login credentials are encrypted during the authentication process.
• Integrity Checks: SFTP includes mechanisms to verify data integrity, ensuring files aren’t corrupted during transfer.

How to use SFTP with Hostinger:

Usually, your SFTP credentials are the same as your main Hostinger cPanel/hPanel login details or the FTP account you created.

• Host: Your domain name or server IP.
• Username: Your hPanel username (often the email you registered with) or the specific FTP username you created.
• Password: Your hPanel password or the specific FTP password.
• Port: Always 22 for SFTP.

When setting up your connection in FileZilla’s Site Manager, simply choose SFTP - SSH File Transfer Protocol from the Protocol dropdown menu and ensure the port is set to 22.

Advanced FTP Usage Tips for Hostinger Users

Beyond basic file transfers, FTP offers powerful capabilities. Here are some tips to get more out of your Hostinger FTP experience:

• Understanding File Permissions (CHMOD):
  File permissions dictate who can read, write, or execute your website files. Incorrect permissions can lead to security vulnerabilities or website errors.

  • Common Permissions:

    • 644 for files: Owner can read/write, others can only read. (e.g., index.php, style.css)
    • 755 for directories: Owner can read/write/execute, others can read/execute. (e.g., wp-content, uploads)

  • How to Change: In FileZilla, right-click on a file or folder, select “File permissions…” Enter the numeric value or check the boxes. Be cautious when changing permissions; improper settings can break your site.

  • Visual description: Screenshot of FileZilla’s “File permissions” dialog box.

• Using FTP for Website Backups:
  Regular backups are non-negotiable. FTP allows you to manually download your entire public_html folder (or specific parts) to your local computer.

  • Process:

    1. Connect to your Hostinger FTP via FileZilla.
    2. Navigate to your public_html directory on the remote site.
    3. Create a dedicated backup folder on your local computer.
    4. Drag the public_html folder (or desired subfolders) from the remote site to your local backup folder.

  • Consideration: For WordPress sites, remember to also back up your database, as FTP only handles files, not database content. Hostinger provides database backup tools within hPanel.

• Utilizing public_html and Subdomains/Addon Domains:

  • Main Domain: Its files are typically in public_html.
  • Subdomains: Often reside in subfolders within public_html (e.g., public_html/subdomain.yourdomain.com).
  • Addon Domains: Depending on your setup, they might be in a separate directory at the root level (e.g., /youraddondomain.com/public_html) or within public_html. Always check your Hostinger hPanel’s “Domains” or “Websites” section to confirm the exact path.

Troubleshooting Common Hostinger FTP Issues

Even with clear instructions, you might encounter issues. Here are common problems and their solutions:

• Connection Failed/Could Not Connect to Server:

  • Incorrect Hostname: Double-check you’re using your domain name or the correct server IP provided by Hostinger.
  • Wrong Username/Password: Credentials are case-sensitive. Ensure you’re using the exact FTP username (including any prefixes) and password. Try resetting the password in hPanel if unsure.
  • Incorrect Port: Ensure you’re using port 21 for FTP or 22 for SFTP.
  • Firewall/Antivirus: Your local firewall or antivirus software might be blocking the connection. Temporarily disable it to test, or add FileZilla as an exception.
  • Server Downtime: Although rare with Hostinger, check Hostinger’s status page or contact support if you suspect server issues.
  • Too Many Connections: If you have multiple FTP connections open, the server might refuse new ones. Close unused connections.

• “Directory Listing Failed” Error:

  • Incorrect Directory Path: The FTP user might not have access to the directory you’re trying to view or list. Verify the “Directory” setting for your FTP account in hPanel.
  • Permissions Issues: Ensure the target directory and its parent directories have appropriate permissions (e.g., 755).

• File Transfer Issues (e.g., “Critical file transfer error,” “Transferring failed”):

  • Insufficient Disk Space: Your Hostinger hosting plan might have run out of disk space. Check your hPanel usage statistics.
  • File Size Limits: Some servers have limits on individual file sizes. If you’re uploading a very large file, this could be the culprit.
  • Permissions: The destination folder might not have write permissions. Check folder permissions (should be 755).
  • Binary vs. ASCII Mode: For text-based files (like HTML, CSS, PHP), ASCII mode is usually fine. For binary files (images, videos, executables, compressed archives), ensure FileZilla is set to “Binary” transfer mode (often auto-detected).

• Files Uploaded But Website Not Updating:

  • Caching: Your website or browser might be caching old content. Clear your website’s cache (if you use a caching plugin) and your browser’s cache.
  • Wrong Directory: You might have uploaded files to the wrong folder on the server. Double-check you’re in public_html or the correct subdirectory for your domain.

If you’ve tried these troubleshooting steps and are still facing issues, don’t hesitate to contact Hostinger’s customer support. They can provide specific insights into your hosting environment.

Conclusion

Mastering FTP accounts on Hostinger is an invaluable skill for any website owner or developer. From creating new users with specific directory access to securely transferring files via SFTP and troubleshooting common hiccups, you now have a comprehensive understanding of how to manage your website’s backbone.

By following this guide, you can confidently upload updates, perform backups, and troubleshoot issues, ensuring your Hostinger-powered website remains robust and under your control. Remember to always prioritize security by using strong passwords and opting for SFTP whenever possible.

What are your go-to FTP tips for Hostinger users? Share them in the comments below! If you found this guide helpful, please share it with others who might benefit.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is FTP used for on Hostinger?

FTP is used for transferring files between your local computer and your Hostinger server. This includes uploading website files (themes, plugins, images), downloading backups, and managing existing files or directories directly.

Q2: Is FTP secure on Hostinger?

Standard FTP transmits data in plain text, which is not secure. Hostinger also supports SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol), which encrypts all data and authentication credentials, making it much more secure. It is highly recommended to use SFTP.

Q3: Can I use SFTP with Hostinger?

Yes, Hostinger fully supports SFTP. You typically use the same login credentials as your main hPanel account or the specific FTP user you created, but with port 22 instead of 21, and select SFTP as the protocol in your FTP client.

Q4: How do I find my FTP credentials on Hostinger?

You can find or manage your FTP credentials by logging into your Hostinger hPanel, navigating to “Files,” and then “FTP Accounts.” Here you can see usernames and reset passwords. Your main hPanel login details can also often be used for SFTP.

Q5: What is the default FTP directory for my main website?

The default directory for your primary website on Hostinger is usually /public_html/. This is where all the core files for your main domain reside.

Q6: Why is my FTP connection failing on Hostinger?

Common reasons include incorrect hostname, username, or password, using the wrong port (21 for FTP, 22 for SFTP), a local firewall blocking the connection, or temporary network issues. Double-check all credentials and settings.

Q7: Can I create multiple FTP accounts on Hostinger?

Yes, you can create multiple FTP accounts on Hostinger. This is useful for granting specific access to different developers or restricting access to particular subfolders (directories) on your server.

Q8: What is a good FTP client to use with Hostinger?

FileZilla is the most popular and recommended open-source FTP client. It’s free, cross-platform (Windows, macOS, Linux), and offers robust features for managing file transfers securely.

Q9: Can I edit files directly through FTP?

Most FTP clients allow you to right-click a file and select “View/Edit.” This will download the file, open it in your default text editor, and then prompt you to upload the changes back to the server once you save the file locally. This is a convenient way to make quick edits.

Q10: What are file permissions (CHMOD) and why are they important?

File permissions (often displayed as CHMOD values like 644 or 755) control who can read, write, or execute your files and folders on the server. Correct permissions are vital for both security and the proper functioning of your website. Incorrect permissions can lead to errors or security vulnerabilities.

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