Intro to FTP | Bluehost Support

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Intro to FTP

Overview

FTP is an acronym for File Transfer Protocol. As the name suggests, it is used to transfer files and folders between your local machine (desktop) to your hosting account.

We have provided guides to demonstrate how to set up the most common FTP programs, Filezilla, Cyberduck, and Fetch.

FTP for Beginners

There are many ways to transfer files and folders to and from your hosting account. If you’re the account owner and need to upload files quickly, we highly recommend using SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol). Please see Recommended FTP Applications for more information.

Secure FTP (SFTP)

Secure FTP (SFTP) is available for use only by the Bluehost hosting account username and is suggested for use when uploading or downloading content. SFTP is more secure than regular FTP, as data is encrypted while being transmitted over the internet and safeguards all vulnerabilities throughout the file transfer. SFTP supports large file transfers effortlessly and efficiently. Due to this, multiple files can be transferred in one shot, which saves a lot of time! Also, SFTP allows you to resume interrupted uploads, which is incredibly important if you are uploading large files or folders. Please see FTP Setup Using Secure FTP (SFTP) for more information.

Establishing an FTP Connection (FTP Settings)

Like any other solution, FTP has drawbacks and benefits. Unlike SFTP, FTP is a non-secure way to transfer data. When files are sent using the FTP protocol, the data, username, and password are transferred in plain text. FTP is recommended for designers and developers, and as the Bluehost account owner, you create multiple FTP accounts. This is useful when working with developers, as it provides them access to only the sites they are working on. Just as SFTP, FTP facilitates large file transfers, and if your file transfer is interrupted, you can resume an interrupted file transfer if your connection is lost. Please see General FTP Settings for more information.

Adding and Managing FTP Accounts

Here are some additional guides to demonstrate how to create FTP accounts, FTP accounts for Addons and Subdomains, and editing FTP passwords.

How to Migrate a WordPress Site

Bluehost offers Free WordPress Migration for qualifying WordPress websites within the first 30 days after signup. The offer includes the transfer of one WordPress website, and once the migration is complete, customers have the ability to review and approve the site before it goes live. For WordPress migrations outside of the 30 days signup, please see the WordPress manual Migration for more information. 

Recommended FTP Applications

To learn how to set up a particular program, click the program's link below:

Windows

Mac

Linux Based

If you need further assistance, feel free to contact us via Chat or Phone:

  • Chat Support - From our home page, click the Contact option in the top right-hand corner, then click Chat Now.
  • Phone Support -
    • US: 888-401-4678
    • International: +1 801-765-9400

You may also refer to our Knowledge Base articles to help answer common questions and guide you through various setup, configuration, and troubleshooting steps.