FTP login failed

Symptoms

• The FTP client says "login incorrect", "authentication failed" or "530 Login failed".
• The connection works but the username or password is refused.
• The connection times out before the login prompt.

Common causes

• The username or password is wrong, or includes extra spaces.
• The account was created as an FTP user for a different folder or domain.
• The client uses the wrong protocol, such as plain FTP for an SFTP-only account, or the reverse.
• A local firewall or network blocks the port.

Safe initial checks

1. Confirm the server name, port and protocol in the FTP and SFTP guide.
2. Retype the password. Do not copy it with extra spaces.
3. Check the protocol setting against the encrypted protocol your account supports. Do not try plaintext FTP or disable certificate verification as a workaround.
4. Test from another network to rule out a local block.

Step-by-step solutions

1. Wrong password. Reset the FTP account password in the hosting panel, then sign in with the new one. See FTP and SFTP.
2. Wrong username. Use the full FTP username shown in the panel, which can include the domain.
3. Wrong protocol or port. Match the protocol and port listed for your account.
4. Account disabled. Confirm the account exists and is active in the panel. If it is missing, create a new FTP account.

How to confirm the issue is fixed

• Your FTP client connects and lists the expected folder.
• You can upload and download a test file in the correct folder.

When to contact support

Contact support if the password is reset, the protocol matches, and the connection is still refused from more than one network.

Information to include in a support ticket

• The FTP client name and version, and the protocol and port you used.
• The exact error message from the client.
• The FTP username, not the password.

Related articles

• FTP and SFTP
• File manager
• Website not opening
• File permission problems

Last reviewed

2026-10-28