How to Use FTP Management in DirectAdmin

FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is a reliable method for uploading, downloading, and managing files on your web hosting server. While DirectAdmin's built-in File Manager works for quick edits, FTP is better suited for uploading large files, syncing entire folders, or working from a desktop application like FileZilla. This guide covers everything you need to get started.

What Is FTP and Why Use It?

FTP connects your local computer directly to your hosting server's file system. Once connected, you can drag and drop files between your computer and the server, just like copying files between folders on your desktop. Key advantages of FTP include:

• Upload multiple files and folders at once, including entire website directories
• Resume interrupted transfers — ideal for large files
• Work with a familiar desktop interface rather than a browser
• Grant restricted access to a specific folder for developers or designers

FTP Accounts in DirectAdmin

Every hosting account at AsiaGB includes a main FTP account that shares the same username and password as your DirectAdmin login. In addition, you can create additional FTP accounts with access restricted to specific directories — useful when you need to give a developer access to one folder without exposing your entire account.

To access FTP management, log in to DirectAdmin and go to Your Account → FTP Management.

Creating a New FTP Account

1. In DirectAdmin, navigate to FTP Management.
2. Click Create FTP Account.
3. Enter a Username for the new account. DirectAdmin will append @yourdomain.com automatically — the full username will be something like [email protected].
4. Set a strong Password (minimum 8 characters, mixing letters, numbers, and symbols).
5. In the Directory field, specify the folder this FTP account can access. For example, enter /public_html/myapp to restrict access to that subfolder only. Leave it as / for full account access.
6. Click Create to save the account.

Connecting with FileZilla — Step by Step

FileZilla is the most popular free FTP client, available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Download it from filezilla-project.org and follow these steps to connect to your AsiaGB hosting:

Method 1: Quick Connect

1. Open FileZilla.
2. In the Host field at the top, enter your domain name or server IP address (e.g., yourdomain.com).
3. In the Username field, enter your FTP username (e.g., yourdirectadminusername or the sub-account username like [email protected]).
4. Enter your FTP Password.
5. Set the Port to 21.
6. Click Quickconnect. FileZilla will connect and display your server files in the right panel.

Method 2: Site Manager (Recommended for Repeat Connections)

1. In FileZilla, open File → Site Manager (or press Ctrl+S).
2. Click New Site and give it a name.
3. Set Protocol to FTP, enter your Host, Username, and Password.
4. Set Port to 21 and Encryption to Use explicit FTP over TLS if available for a more secure connection.
5. Click Connect. FileZilla will save these settings for future use.

SFTP vs FTP

SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol) is a more secure alternative to standard FTP. It encrypts all data transferred between your computer and the server, protecting your login credentials and file contents from interception. If your hosting plan supports SSH access, SFTP is always the better choice.

• FTP (port 21) — standard, widely supported, but unencrypted
• FTPS (port 21 with TLS) — FTP with encryption layer, supported by AsiaGB servers
• SFTP (port 22) — fully encrypted, requires SSH access to be enabled on your account

To use SFTP in FileZilla, change the Protocol in Site Manager to SFTP - SSH File Transfer Protocol and use port 22. Contact AsiaGB support if you need SSH access enabled on your account.

Deleting an FTP Account

To remove an FTP account you no longer need:

1. Go to FTP Management in DirectAdmin.
2. Locate the account in the list.
3. Tick the checkbox next to the account name.
4. Click Delete Selected and confirm.

Deleting an FTP account only removes the login credentials — it does not delete any files on the server. The folders that were accessible via that account remain untouched.