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Enabling TLS on Common FTP Software

Overview

To help protect your account credentials and data during file transfers, we recommend using FTPS (FTP over TLS/SSL) instead of standard FTP whenever possible.

Note:
You can find your FTP hostname, username, and password in your Hostek welcome email. If you no longer have this information, please contact our support team and we'll be happy to assist.

FileZilla

  1. Open FileZilla.

  2. Click File → Site Manager.

  3. Click New Site.

  4. Enter the following information:

    • Host: Your domain name or FTP hostname

    • Port: 21

    • Protocol: FTP

    • Encryption: Require explicit FTP over TLS

    • Logon Type: Normal

    • Username: Your FTP username

    • Password: Your FTP password

  5. Click Connect.

If prompted to trust the server certificate, verify the certificate information and click OK to continue.

WinSCP

  1. Open WinSCP.

  2. Create a new site or edit an existing one.

  3. Configure the following:

    • File Protocol: FTP

    • Encryption: TLS/SSL Explicit Encryption

    • Host Name: Your domain or FTP hostname

    • Port Number: 21

    • User Name: Your FTP username

    • Password: Your FTP password

  4. Save the connection.

  5. Click Login.

Adobe Dreamweaver

Recent versions of Dreamweaver support secure FTP connections.

Configure your site using:

  • Connection Type: FTP

  • FTP Address: Your domain or FTP hostname

  • Port: 21

  • Username: Your FTP username

  • Password: Your FTP password

  • Use Secure FTP (FTPS): Enabled

Save the settings and test the connection.

Image Placeholder

[Insert Dreamweaver FTPS Screenshot]

SmartFTP

  1. Click File → New Connection.

  2. Select:

    • Protocol: FTPS (Explicit)

  3. Enter:

    • Host

    • Username

    • Password

  4. Click Connect.

Cyberduck

  1. Click Open Connection.

  2. Choose:

    FTP-SSL (Explicit AUTH TLS)

  3. Enter:

    • Server

    • Username

    • Password

    • Port 21

  4. Click Connect.

CuteFTP

  1. Select File → New → FTPS Site.

  2. Enter:

    • Host Address

    • Username

    • Password

  3. Under Protocol, select:

    FTP with TLS/SSL (AUTH TLS - Explicit)

  4. Connect.

Accept the certificate if prompted.

FlashFXP

  1. Open Site Manager.

  2. Create a new site.

  3. Set:

    • Connection Type: FTP using Explicit SSL (AUTH TLS)

  4. Enter:

    • Host

    • Username

    • Password

  5. Save and connect.

WISE-FTP

Create a new connection using:

  • Server Address

  • Username

  • Password

  • Connection Type:

FTPES (Explicit TLS/SSL)

Connect to the server.

WS_FTP Professional

Create a new connection with:

  • Server Address

  • Username

  • Password

  • Connection Type:

FTP/SSL (AUTH TLS)

Save and connect.

Core FTP LE

Create a new site using:

  • Host

  • Username

  • Password

  • Connection:

AUTH TLS

Click Connect.

Expression Web

Expression Web supports Implicit FTPS using port 990.

Configure the connection using:

  • Host

  • Username

  • Password

  • Port 990

  • Enable SSL

Transmit (macOS)

Create a new FTP connection and configure:

  • Server

  • Username

  • Password

  • Port 21

  • Enable FTP with TLS (Explicit)

Connect to the server.

FTP Clients That Do Not Support Explicit FTPS

Some older FTP clients do not support modern FTP over TLS connections. If your software does not support Explicit FTPS (AUTH TLS), we recommend switching to one of the following free clients:

  • FileZilla

  • WinSCP (Windows)

  • Cyberduck (Windows/macOS)

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I receive a certificate warning?

Some FTP clients may ask you to verify the server certificate the first time you connect.

Verify that the certificate matches your server information and accept it if everything appears correct.

Where can I find my FTP login information?

Your FTP hostname, username, and password are included in your Hostek welcome email.

If you no longer have this information, please contact our support team, and we'll be happy to assist.

Need Assistance?

If you need help configuring your FTP client, please contact Hostek Support by opening a support ticket through the client portal or by emailing [email protected]. Our team will be happy to assist you.

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