How to Create an FTP Account in cPanel

If you're hiring a freelance web developer, designer, or agency to work on your website, you shouldn't hand over your master cPanel password. Instead, create a restricted FTP account that only gives them access to the specific folders they need to work on.

Step 1: Open FTP Accounts in cPanel

Log into your Hostinap cPanel account. In the Files section, click on FTP Accounts.

Step 2: Enter Account Credentials

In the "Add FTP Account" form, enter the following:

• Log In: Enter the desired username (e.g., dev). Note that the full FTP username will be [email protected].
• Password & Password (Again): Use the Password Generator to create a high-strength password.

Step 3: Restrict Directory Access

This is the most critical security step:

• If the developer needs access to your entire live website, set the directory to public_html.
• If they are only working on a staging site or a specific folder, restrict it (e.g., public_html/staging). The user will be locked into that directory and cannot navigate upwards into other private server files.

Step 4: Set Quota & Create Account

Leave the Quota setting as Unlimited (or set a custom megabyte limit if required). Click the blue Create FTP Account button.

Connecting via FTP / SFTP Client

Provide your developer with the following connection parameters to enter into FileZilla, WinSCP, or Cyberduck:

• Host / Server: ftp.yourdomain.com (or your server's IP address)
• Username: [email protected] (the full email-style username)
• Password: The password created in Step 2
• Port: 21 for standard FTP (or port 22 if using SFTP with main cPanel credentials)

How to revoke access later

When your developer finishes their contract, return to FTP Accounts in cPanel, scroll down to the "FTP Accounts" list, and click Delete next to the account. You will be asked if you want to delete the account only or delete the user's files as well. Choose Delete Account to safely remove their login without touching your website files.