How to Create an FTP Account in cPanel

Creating separate FTP accounts lets you give developers or contractors access to specific folders without sharing your main cPanel credentials.

Step 1: Open FTP Accounts

Log in to cPanel → Files → FTP Accounts.

Step 2: Create the Account

Fill in the form:

• Log In — the FTP username (e.g., developer)
• Password — use the generator for a strong password
• Directory — restrict access to a specific folder (e.g., /public_html/blog) or enter /public_html for full site access
• Quota — set a storage limit or choose Unlimited

Click Create FTP Account.

Step 3: Share Credentials

Send the developer:

• FTP Host: yourdomain.com (or the server IP)
• Username: developer@yourdomain.com
• Password: (what you set)
• Port: 21 (standard FTP) or 22 (SFTP — recommended)

Deleting an Account

When the project is done, return to FTP Accounts and click Delete next to the account.

Tips

• Always use SFTP (port 22) instead of FTP — it encrypts the connection
• Restrict FTP accounts to the minimum directory they need
• Change or delete contractor FTP accounts immediately after project completion