Create an FTP account in cPanel and connect with FileZilla or another FTP program to upload your website. This guide also covers changing an FTP password or quota, deleting an account, and connecting securely with SFTP.
Before you start
- Log in to cPanel from the Client Area: Services → your ProFlex service → Log in to cPanel.
- Install an FTP program. We use FileZilla (free, Windows and Mac) in the examples.
- ProFlex Web includes 2 extra FTP accounts, ProFlex Business 5 and ProFlex Business Plus 10.
Create an FTP account
- Open FTP Accounts. It's in the Files section of cPanel.
- Enter a Log In name. For example
webdesigner. The full username will bewebdesigner@yourdomain.co.uk. - Set a password. Type it in both Password boxes, or click Password Generator and copy the result somewhere safe.
- Choose the Directory. This is the folder the account can access. cPanel suggests a folder based on the login name. For full access to your website, change it to
public_html. To limit someone to one folder, enter that folder instead. - Set a Quota (optional), then click Create FTP Account.
The Add FTP Account form in cPanel.
Find your FTP server name
In the FTP Accounts list, click Configure FTP Client next to the account. cPanel shows the exact FTP Server name, username and port to use, and it can download a ready-made FileZilla configuration file.
Connect with FileZilla
- Open the Site Manager. In FileZilla choose File → Site Manager → New site.
- Enter the settings from the table below.
- Click Connect. Your website files are in
public_html(or directly in the folder you chose for the FTP account).
Settings at a glance
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Protocol | FTP - File Transfer Protocol |
| Host | The FTP Server shown under Configure FTP Client |
| Port | 21 |
| Encryption | Require explicit FTP over TLS |
| Logon type | Normal |
| User | The full FTP username, e.g. webdesigner@yourdomain.co.uk |
| Password | The password you set |
Change a password or quota, or delete an account
In the FTP Accounts list, each account has Change Password, Change Quota and Delete links. Deleting an FTP account doesn't delete any files. When someone no longer needs access, such as a designer who has finished a job, delete their account.
The Special FTP Accounts at the bottom of the page belong to your main cPanel login and can't be deleted.
SFTP (secure file transfer over SSH)
ProFlex includes SSH access, so you can also use SFTP with your main cPanel username. For security, SSH on Host Dada's ProFlex servers accepts SSH keys only, not passwords:
- Open SSH Access in the Security section and click Manage SSH Keys.
- Import your public key (or generate a new key pair), then click Manage next to it and Authorize it.
- Connect in FileZilla with protocol SFTP, the same host as FTP, port
22, logon type Key file, your cPanel username and your private key file.
Troubleshooting
"530 Login authentication failed"
Check that the username includes the @yourdomain part and that the password is correct. If you're not sure, set a new password with Change Password. Repeated failed attempts can temporarily block your IP address. If you think that's happened, open a ticket and tell us your IP address (search "what is my IP" to find it).
Connected, but the directory listing never appears
This is usually a firewall or router blocking passive FTP. In FileZilla, go to Edit → Settings → FTP and make sure Passive is selected. On office networks, try another connection (such as your phone's hotspot) to rule out a corporate firewall.
I can't see public_html
The FTP account is limited to the folder you chose when you created it. To give it access to the whole site, delete it and create it again with public_html as the directory, or use your main cPanel login.
Last reviewed: October 2026
