---
title: "How to Create an FTP Account in cPanel"
description: "Create an FTP account in cPanel that is limited to one folder, then connect with FileZilla or another client and switch to an encrypted FTPS connection."
url: "https://docs.noiz.ie/cpanel/how-to-create-an-ftp-account-in-cpanel/"
section: "cPanel"
categories:
  - "Control Panels > cPanel > Files"
last_reviewed: "27 July 2026, against the current cPanel **Jupiter** interface"
---

# How to Create an FTP Account in cPanel

File Transfer Protocol (FTP) lets you upload, download and manage the files in your hosting account from a desktop FTP client such as FileZilla. Your main cPanel login already has FTP access to the whole account, but you will often want a separate FTP account that is restricted to a single folder, for example to give a developer or a client access to one website without exposing the rest of your account. This guide shows you how to create an additional FTP account in cPanel and connect to it.

**Last reviewed:** 27 July 2026, against the current cPanel **Jupiter** interface. This guide is written for Noiz hosting and is kept current against cPanel. It complements, and does not replace, the official cPanel documentation linked below.

### Official Documentation Reference

- [cPanel Documentation: FTP Accounts](https://docs.cpanel.net/cpanel/files/ftp-accounts/)

## Prerequisites

- An active Noiz cPanel hosting account and your cPanel login details.
- A desktop FTP client (such as FileZilla) if you intend to connect straight away.

## Create an FTP Account

1. Log in to your cPanel account.
2. In the **Files** section, click **FTP Accounts**.

![The FTP Accounts icon in the Files section of cPanel](/img/cpanel-ftp-icon.gif)

Under **Add FTP Account**, complete the following fields:

- **Log In:** Enter a username for the account, for example `new-user` (no spaces). cPanel automatically appends your domain, so the full username becomes `new-user@yourdomain.com`.
- **Domain:** If your account hosts more than one domain, choose the one this FTP account belongs to.
- **Password:** Enter a strong password, or click **Password Generator**. A long, random password matters here, because FTP logins are a common target for brute-force attempts.
- **Directory:** This is the only folder the account can reach, and it cannot move above it. Enter `public_html` to grant access to the whole website, or a subfolder such as `public_html/new-user` to limit the account to one area.
- **Quota:** Set a storage limit in MB, or choose **Unlimited**.

![The Add FTP Account form in cPanel showing the Log In, Domain, Password, Directory and Quota fields](/img/new-ftp-account.gif)

Click **Create FTP Account**. The new account is added to the **FTP Accounts** list lower down the same page.

## Connect With Your FTP Client

Once the account exists, open your FTP client and enter the following:

- **Host:** Your website address, for example `ftp.yourdomain.com` or `yourdomain.com`. If your domain is not yet pointing to Noiz, use the server hostname or IP address from your Noiz welcome email instead.
- **Username:** The full FTP username, for example `new-user@yourdomain.com`.
- **Password:** The password you set when creating the account.
- **Port:** `21` for FTP (the default).

On the **FTP Accounts** page you can also click **Configure FTP Client** next to any account to view its exact settings or download a ready-made configuration file. cPanel offers these files for Core FTP (Windows) and Cyberduck (macOS) only; for FileZilla, enter the settings above by hand.

## Use a Secure Connection

Plain FTP on port 21 sends your username and password across the network in clear text. Where the server supports it, set your FTP client to **Require explicit FTP over TLS (FTPS)** so the session is encrypted. FTP cannot use Server Name Indication, so for an encrypted connection the **Host** must be the server's hostname rather than your domain name, otherwise the certificate will not match. If SSH is enabled on your plan, **SFTP** (port 22) is another secure option; it uses your SSH access rather than a cPanel FTP account.

## Troubleshooting

- **Login fails**: Make sure you are using the full username including the domain (`new-user@yourdomain.com`), not just the login name.
- **Cannot connect at all**: Confirm the host address resolves to Noiz. If the domain is new or was just moved, use the server hostname or IP from your welcome email until DNS propagates.
- **Connection times out**: Switch your FTP client between **active** and **passive** mode. Most home and office networks require passive mode.
- **Files upload but the website does not change**: Check the account's **Directory**. Files must go into `public_html` (or the correct subfolder) to appear on the site.

## Related Articles

- [How to Change the Password of the FTP Account in cPanel](/cpanel/how-to-change-an-ftp-account-password-in-cpanel/)
- [How to Change the FTP User Quota in cPanel](/cpanel/how-to-change-the-ftp-user-quota-in-cpanel/)
- [How to Delete an FTP User Account From cPanel](/cpanel/how-to-delete-an-ftp-user-account-from-cpanel/)

If you are unsure which directory to use, or you need an FTP account set up for a developer, the Noiz support team is happy to help. Open a ticket from your client area and Noiz will take care of it.

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Source: https://docs.noiz.ie/cpanel/how-to-create-an-ftp-account-in-cpanel/