Choosing the right file transfer method is important for keeping your website secure while making it easy to upload, download and manage your website files. This means choosing FTP vs SFTP becomes an important choice.
This guide will help you understand the difference between FTP (File Transfer Protocol) and SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol) when transferring files to and from your 1-grid hosting account.
By the end of this guide, you’ll understand when to use each protocol and which option is best for your website.
What This Means
FTP and SFTP are protocols used to transfer files between your computer and your web hosting server.
They allow you to:
- Upload website files
- Download backups
- Edit website content
- Manage folders
- Transfer media and application files
While both methods perform similar tasks, the biggest difference is security.
- FTP transfers information without encryption.
- SFTP encrypts all communication between your computer and the hosting server, helping protect your login credentials and files.
For most customers, SFTP is the recommended option, especially for live websites.
Understanding FTP vs SFTP
| Feature | FTP | SFTP |
| Full Name | File Transfer Protocol | Secure File Transfer Protocol |
| Encryption | No | Yes |
| Default Port | 21 | 22 |
| Connection Type | Standard connection | Secure SSH connection |
| Password Protection | Unencrypted | Encrypted |
| Recommended for Live Websites | No | Yes |
When Should You Use FTP?
FTP may be suitable when:
- Working on a local development environment.
- Transferring non-sensitive files.
- Working on an isolated or trusted internal network.
- Connecting to older systems that do not support SFTP.
Because FTP does not encrypt your connection, it is generally not recommended for managing production websites.
When Should You Use SFTP?
SFTP is recommended when:
- Managing a live website.
- Uploading customer or business information.
- Working on an eCommerce website.
- Transferring backups.
- Editing website files remotely.
SFTP encrypts both your credentials and your file transfers, making it the safer option for most website owners.
Steps to Access FTP vs SFTP
Step 1: Log in to your 1-grid Client Portal
1. Sign in to your 1-grid Customer Zone
Step 2: Open Your Hosting Service
1. Navigate to your hosting service and access your hosting management area.
Step 3: Locate Your FTP Accounts
1. Open the FTP Accounts section.
Here you can:
- View existing FTP accounts
- Create additional FTP users
- Reset FTP passwords
- Manage FTP access
Step 4: Confirm Whether SFTP Is Available
SFTP requires SSH support.
Availability depends on your hosting package.
If SFTP is available on your hosting plan, use:
- Hostname
- Username
- Password or SSH Key
- Port 22
Step 5: Connect Using an FTP Client
1. Open your preferred FTP client, such as:
2. Enter your connection details.
For FTP:
- Port 21
For SFTP:
- Port 22
Connect to your hosting account and begin transferring files.
Best Practices for FTP vs SFTP
For the most secure experience:
- Use SFTP whenever possible.
- Use strong, unique passwords.
- Remove FTP accounts you no longer use.
- Keep your FTP client updated.
- Back up your website before making major changes.
- Only grant FTP access to trusted users.
Important Things to Know
- FTP is still supported by many hosting platforms but is less secure than SFTP.
- SFTP requires SSH access, which may not be available on every hosting package.
- Your FTP username and password may differ from your cPanel login credentials.
- Changing your FTP password does not change your hosting account password.
- Some firewall or antivirus software may block FTP or SFTP connections until permission is granted.
Before You Move On
Before connecting to your hosting account, confirm that:
- You’re using the correct hostname.
- Your username and password are correct.
- You’ve selected the correct port (21 for FTP or 22 for SFTP).
- Your hosting account is active.
- SSH is enabled if you’re using SFTP.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using FTP instead of SFTP for a live website.
- Entering the wrong connection port.
- Confusing FTP credentials with cPanel login details.
- Leaving unused FTP accounts active.
- Connecting over unsecured public Wi-Fi using FTP.
If This Didn’t Work
If you’re unable to connect:
- Verify your FTP or SFTP credentials.
- Confirm you’re using the correct hostname.
- Check that the correct port is selected.
- Ensure your firewall isn’t blocking the connection.
- Confirm that SSH access is enabled if using SFTP.
If you still need assistance, please provide:
- Your domain name
- Hosting package
- FTP client you’re using
- Full error message
- Screenshot of the connection settings (excluding your password)
This will help us troubleshoot your connection more efficiently.
Related Articles
- How to Create an FTP Account
- How to Connect to SFTP using FileZilla
- How to Reset an FTP Password
- SSH Access Guides
- How to Upload a File Using File Manager in cPanel
FAQs
Is SFTP more secure than FTP?
Yes. SFTP encrypts your connection and protects your login credentials and transferred files.
Can I still use FTP?
Yes. FTP is still supported on many hosting platforms, but SFTP is recommended whenever available.
Does SFTP use different login details?
Usually not.
In most cases, you use the same hosting credentials unless SSH keys have been configured.
Why can’t I connect using SFTP?
Your hosting package may not include SSH access, or SSH may not yet be enabled.
Which port should I use for FTP vs SFTP?
- FTP uses Port 21
- SFTP uses Port 22
Which FTP client should I use?
Popular FTP clients include:
- FileZilla
- WinSCP
- Cyberduck
All support SFTP connections.
Empowering Insight
Choosing SFTP over FTP is one of the simplest ways to improve your website’s security. A secure connection helps protect both your website files and your login credentials every time you connect.
Need Additional Support?
If you’re still unable to connect using FTP or SFTP after following this guide, our Support team is happy to help.
Contact us with your domain name, hosting package details, FTP client, and any error messages ready so we can assist you more efficiently.