You don’t need to build an FTP server
If you’ve been searching for FTP hosting or thinking about setting up your own FTP server on a VPS just to have a place to upload files, stop. You’re overcomplicating it.
Every APlusHosting web hosting account includes FTP access. That means you get a file server you can connect to from any FTP client, any device, and any script or application that speaks FTP or SFTP. It’s ready to go the moment your account is created.
What you can do with it
FTP access on a web hosting account isn’t just for uploading website files. People use it for all kinds of things:
- Upload files from remote devices. Cameras, sensors, automation scripts, anything that can speak FTP can push files to your hosting account.
- Share files with clients or team members. Create FTP accounts for each person with access to specific directories.
- Store backups. Point your backup scripts at your hosting account’s FTP server as an offsite backup destination.
- Transfer large files. Instead of emailing huge attachments, upload them to your hosting and share a download link.
- Automate uploads. Any programming language can connect to FTP. Schedule uploads from scripts, cron jobs, or IoT devices.
How to connect
You can use any FTP client. A few popular ones:
- FileZilla (Windows, Mac, Linux): free, reliable, been around forever
- WinSCP (Windows): great for SFTP and SCP alongside FTP
- Cyberduck (Mac, Windows): clean interface, supports lots of protocols
- Command line:
ftporsftpcommands work on any Linux or Mac terminal
Your FTP credentials are available in the Client Portal under your hosting account details. You’ll need the hostname, username, and password.
For better security, use SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol) instead of plain FTP. SFTP encrypts the connection so your credentials and file contents aren’t sent in the clear. Most modern FTP clients support SFTP out of the box.
Multiple FTP accounts
You’re not limited to one FTP login. Create additional FTP accounts for different people or purposes, each with their own username, password, and directory access. Give a contractor access to just one folder. Give a camera system its own login that writes to a specific directory. Keep things organized and secure.
Why web hosting instead of running your own FTP server
Setting up and maintaining your own FTP server means:
- Renting a VPS or dedicated server
- Installing and configuring FTP software (vsftpd, ProFTPD, etc.)
- Managing SSL certificates for encrypted connections
- Handling user accounts and permissions manually
- Monitoring for security vulnerabilities and keeping software updated
- Paying for all of that on top of the server cost
With a web hosting account, all of that is handled. FTP is just there. You connect and upload. No server administration, no security patches, no maintenance.
Storage that does double duty
Here’s the thing most people don’t think about: your web hosting storage isn’t just for websites. It’s general-purpose disk space with FTP access, web access, and a control panel to manage it all.
Upload files over FTP, then serve them over HTTP if you want. Or just use it as private file storage that only FTP accounts can access. It’s your space to use however you need.
Every APlusHosting web hosting account includes FTP and SFTP access, multiple FTP accounts, and enough storage for files of all kinds. No server setup required.