Learn to Manage FTP accounts in Plesk

Introduction

The File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is a standard network protocol designed to transfer files between your computer and your website server. You use an FTP client to connect to an FTP server for downloading or uploading files. This method is the easiest way to handle large amounts of files for your website. This guide will walk you through creating, modifying, and deleting FTP accounts for your Plesk site.

What is File Transfer Protocol (FTP)?

FTP is a basic network protocol that facilitates file exchange over a network connection. A user employs an FTP client application to establish a connection with the server. Many major operating systems include their own FTP clients. You can also use standalone programs like FileZilla or even the integrated FTP feature in most web browsers. Using an FTP client makes uploading or downloading numerous files simple.

Steps to Create a New FTP Account

You must create a dedicated FTP account to give someone access to your site’s files. This process involves the following aspects –

Setting Up Your FTP Access Credentials

Follow these instructions carefully to successfully set up a new account with the desired permissions.

You must first enter your credentials and access your Plesk control panel for the necessary administrative rights.
Click on the Websites & Domains option located in the left sidebar menu. Here you will find all your hosted domains.
Locate the specific domain for which you need to add an account. Then, click on the FTP Access option for that domain.
The FTP Accounts page will appear. Click on the Add an FTP Account button to begin the setup process.
On the Add an Additional FTP Account page, locate the FTP Account name text box. You should enter a username for this new FTP account here.
Enter the root directory that this user should access (in the text box for the Home directory). Alternatively, you can click on the directory icon to browse and select the folder.
Enter the desired account password in the text box labeled New Password. You must then re-type the exact same password in the Confirm Password text box.
Type the maximum amount of disk space the account can use in megabytes. Enter this number in the text box for Hard disk quota.
You need to define the access rights under the Permissions section. Select the Read permission checkbox to allow file downloading. Select the Write permission checkbox to enable file uploading and modification.
You must click on the OK button. Plesk will then successfully create the new FTP account.

Steps to Modify an Existing FTP Account

It is a very good security practice to regularly update your account passwords. You can easily change the settings for an existing FTP account at any time.

Changing the FTP Account Password

This simple procedure allows you to update the password or any other settings for a created account.

Access your Plesk control panel with your primary credentials for account modifications.
Click on the Websites & Domains option in the left sidebar for your list of domains.
Locate the correct domain and then click on FTP Access. The list of all existing FTP accounts will appear.
On the FTP Accounts page, click on the name of the specific account you want to change. This opens the account modification screen.
Enter your new password in the New Password text box. You must also type the same password in the Confirm Password text box.
You need to click on the OK button. Plesk will immediately save all the changes you made to the account.

Steps to Delete an FTP Account

You should remove an FTP account to ensure better security for your files when it is no longer required for access.

Removing FTP Access

This is a quick way to permanently revoke an individual’s FTP access to your domain.

Start by logging into your Plesk control panel to get access to all your domain settings.
Click on the Websites & Domains link in the left sidebar menu. This brings up your list of domains.
Locate the specific domain and click on FTP Access. The list of FTP accounts will display on the screen.
Find the account you want to delete and select the checkbox located next to its name. You can select multiple accounts here if needed.
Click on the Remove button. A confirmation prompt will ask if you want to remove the selected account. Click on Yes. Plesk will then permanently delete the chosen FTP account or accounts.

Conclusion

Managing FTP accounts allows you to control who can access and manage your website files. By following these simple steps, you can efficiently manage access as your needs change. You get a secure and well-organized file system, Proper FTP management.

Cantech provides secure and managed hosting services utilizing the Plesk control panel. Our platform makes FTP management simple and safe. We ensure a reliable connection for your file transfers. your website files are easily accessible yet securely controlled.

FAQs

Do I need an FTP client to use my FTP account?

Yes, you need a FTP client software. This software uses your account credentials to connect to the Plesk server and manage your files.

What is the significance of the “Home directory” setting?

The Home directory setting determines the highest level folder the FTP user can access. This action restricts them from seeing or modifying files in other parts of the server.

Should I choose Read and Write permissions for everyone?

No, you should only give Read and Write permissions to users who absolutely need to upload or change files. Limiting permissions to only Read is safer for users who just need to download data.

Is it possible to recover a deleted FTP account?

No, once you click Yes to the removal prompt, the FTP account is permanently deleted. You would need to create a brand new FTP account if you need to restore access.

Can I use my main Plesk login to transfer files?

Yes, your main Plesk login often works for FTP access to the root directory of your subscription. However, creating specific, restricted FTP accounts is much safer for daily use or for giving access to others.