Troubleshooting Common FTP Connection Issues

FTP connection problems usually fall into a handful of categories. Here's how to diagnose and fix the most common ones.

Error: Connection Refused

Cause: Using the wrong port, or FTP/SFTP isn't enabled on the server.

Fix:

• For SFTP, use port 22. For FTP, use port 21.
• Verify the host — use your domain name or the server IP from cPanel.
• Contact 330 Hosting support to confirm SSH/SFTP access is enabled on your account.

Error: Login Incorrect / Authentication Failed

Cause: Wrong username or password.

Fix:

• Your cPanel username is NOT the same as your email address.
• For FTP sub-accounts, the username is formatted as user@yourdomain.com.
• Reset your cPanel password from the hosting client area if unsure.
• Check that Caps Lock is off.

Error: Connection Timed Out

Cause: Firewall blocking the port, or your ISP is filtering traffic.

Fix:

• Try switching from Passive to Active mode (or vice versa) in your FTP client settings.
• Try from a different network (phone hotspot) to rule out ISP filtering.
• Confirm the server hostname is correct.

Error: Too Many Connections

Cause: You have too many open FTP sessions.

Fix: Close other FTP client windows and wait a few minutes before reconnecting.

Error: Permission Denied

Cause: The FTP account is restricted to a directory you're trying to leave.

Fix: Check the FTP account's directory restriction in cPanel → FTP Accounts.