Article

Troubleshooting Guide: FTP

FTP Guides
Created 2025-11-26 09:39:32
Updated 2025-12-25 19:17:41
Views 287

Common Errors and How to Fix Them

This guide will help diagnose and resolve the most frequent FTP connection issues experienced when connecting to a server using clients like FileZilla, CoreFTP, or Cyberduck.

1. Connection Timed Out / Cannot Connect to Server

Symptoms

  • The connection attempts for a long time, then fails

  • Error messages like:
    “Connection timed out”
    “Could not connect to server”

Possible Causes & Fixes

Cause Fix
Wrong hostname Use your domain or server hostname (example: ftp.yourdomain.com)
Firewall or router blocking port 21 Allow FTP through the local firewall and router
The server firewall is blocking the IP Ask hosting support to whitelist your IP
Passive mode needed Enable Passive Mode in FTP client settings
FTP service disabled Contact the hosting provider

2. Authentication Failed / Incorrect Login Details

Symptoms

  • Repeated password prompts

  • Errors like:
    “530 Login authentication failed”

Fixes

  • Confirm exact FTP username (username@domain.com, not just username)

  • Reset the FTP password in the portal → FTP Accounts → Change Password.

  • Make sure the account isn’t suspended or removed

  • Check for extra spaces when copying/pasting credentials

3. Access Denied / Cannot View Correct Files

Symptoms

  • Logging in works, but the wrong folder is shown

  • Cannot access public_html or other site files

Fixes

  • Edit the Directory path in your portal for that FTP user

  • Ensure the FTP user has permission to access the required folder

  • Do not place user home directories above public_html

4. TLS/SSL Errors (Secure FTP)

Symptoms

  • FTPS fails due to certificate or security settings

  • Errors like:
    “Failed to retrieve directory listing”

Fixes

  • Set Encryption to:
    “Use explicit FTP over TLS if available”

  • If problems continue, set to:
    “Only use plain FTP” (less secure — use only if necessary)

  • Update or accept the SSL certificate if prompted

  • Enable Passive Mode

5. Cannot Upload or Modify Files

Symptoms

  • Permission errors

  • Uploads fail halfway

  • “Critical file transfer error” appears

Fixes

  • Check disk usage — may be out of quota (Eclipse Portal → Disk Usage)

  • Change file permissions via FTP or the portal's File Manager (typical: 755 for folders, 644 for files)

  • Ensure FTP user has correct directory access

  • Disable file locking if the FTP client supports it

6. DNS Issues

Symptoms

  • FTP works using the server IP, but not using the domain

  • Error:
    “Temporary failure in name resolution”

Fixes

  • Use the server IP address instead of the hostname

  • Check the domain DNS propagation if newly updated

  • Verify A records are still correct

7. Too Many Connections from This IP

Symptoms

  • Transfers suddenly stop

  • Errors like:
    “421 Too many connections”

Fixes

  • In FileZilla:
    Edit → Settings → Transfers → Maximum simultaneous transfers = 2

  • Disconnect properly (not just closing the client)

  • Wait a few minutes for open connections to clear

← Back to documentation