How to Connect via FTP | SerVee IT Resources

FTP and SFTP remain standard ways to upload themes, plugins, and media when wp-admin is unavailable or for bulk file transfers. SerVee IT accounts typically provide SFTP (recommended) or FTP with explicit TLS. This guide covers connection details, client setup, and secure practices.

Gather Connection Details

From your hosting welcome email or control panel, collect:

Host — Often your domain, server hostname, or IP.
Port — 21 (FTP), 990 (FTPS implicit), or 22 (SFTP/SSH).
Username — System user or FTP account name.
Password — Or SSH key for SFTP.
Remote path — Document root, e.g. httpdocs, public_html, or wp-content.

cPanel reference: FTP accounts. Plesk: FTP access.

Choose Protocol

Protocol	Security	Notes
SFTP	Encrypted	Uses SSH; preferred on SerVee IT VPS/dedicated.
FTPS (explicit)	Encrypted after AUTH TLS	Port 21 with TLS; common on shared hosting.
Plain FTP	Not encrypted	Avoid on public networks; use only if host requires legacy FTP.

Warning: Never send FTP passwords over unsecured Wi‑Fi. Prefer SFTP or FTPS explicit.

FileZilla Setup

Download FileZilla Client.
Open File → Site Manager → New Site.
Set Protocol to SFTP or FTP over explicit TLS.
Enter host, port, and logon type (Normal or Key file for SFTP).
Connect and navigate to your site’s document root.

Command-Line SFTP

sftp [email protected]
# After login:
cd httpdocs
ls
put local-file.zip
get remote-file.php

Permissions and Ownership

WordPress files are commonly 644 for files and 755 for directories; directories that must be writable (e.g. wp-content/uploads) may need group write via the web server user. Do not set 777 on production servers.

Tip: Upload large archives via SFTP, then extract on the server over SSH to avoid timeout issues in the browser or FTP client.

Troubleshooting

Connection refused — Verify firewall allows port 22 or 21; confirm correct hostname.
Authentication failed — Reset password in panel; for SFTP ensure SSH access is enabled for the user.
Passive mode errors (FTP) — Enable passive mode in client; host must open passive port range (see host documentation).

Summary

Use SFTP or FTPS with credentials from your panel, connect with FileZilla or sftp, work in the correct document root, and keep permissions tight. SerVee IT support can confirm hostname, port, and path for your subscription if connection details are unclear.