Jun 10, 2026

How to Use FTP with FileZilla — Step-by-Step Tutorial

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FileZilla is a free FTP/SFTP client for Windows, Mac, and Linux. It lets you upload files from your computer to your web server — perfect for publishing a site, updating themes, making backups, or editing files in public_html.

This tutorial shows how to use your Battlehorns FTP access with FileZilla, from setup to your first file transfer.

Logótipo FileZilla

What you need

  • FileZilla Client installed — official download (decline bundled offers in the installer if you don't want them)
  • FTP/SFTP credentials from your Battlehorns service (host, username, password, port)
  • A stable internet connection

Find your credentials in My services or the hosting panel assigned to your account.

Step 1 — Install FileZilla

  1. Go to filezilla-project.org
  2. Download FileZilla Client (not Server)
  3. Install with default options
  4. Open the application
FileZilla main window with local and remote panels
FileZilla main interface: local files on the left, server files on the right. Image: WordPress Developer Handbook

Step 2 — Set up Site Manager

Don't rely on Quickconnect alone — use Site Manager to save your connection for reuse.

  1. In FileZilla: File → Site Manager… (or the first toolbar button)
  2. Click New Site and name it, e.g. Battlehorns — My site
  3. Fill in the fields:
Field Typical Battlehorns value
Protocol SFTP (recommended) or FTP/FTPS per your plan
Host Hostname from your panel (e.g. ftp.yourdomain.com or server IP)
Port 22 (SFTP) or 21 (FTP) — use what your panel shows
Logon Type Normal
User Full FTP username (e.g. [email protected])
Password Service FTP password (case-sensitive)
FileZilla Site Manager window with Host, Protocol and User fields
Site Manager — save host, protocol, username, and password. Image: WordPress Developer Handbook

Transfer Settings (important)

If you see “Could not retrieve directory listing”:

  1. In Site Manager, open the Transfer Settings tab
  2. Set transfer mode to Passive
  3. Click OK

Step 3 — Connect to the server

  1. Open Site Manager
  2. Select Battlehorns — My site
  3. Click Connect
  4. On first SFTP connection, accept the server host key if prompted (verify the hostname is correct)

The bottom Message log should show Connected and Directory listing successful.

Step 4 — Upload files to your site

Once connected:

  • Left (Local) — folders on your PC
  • Right (Remote) — server folders; your site is usually in public_html, www, or htdocs
  1. On the remote side, open your web root (e.g. public_html)
  2. On the local side, open the folder with your project files
  3. Drag files or folders from left to right
  4. Wait for the transfer queue to finish

Tip: for a simple PHP site, the main file is usually index.php or index.html inside the public folder.

Step 5 — Download or backup

Drag from right to left to copy from server to PC — handy for backups before updates.

Common errors and fixes

Login incorrect / 530 User cannot log in

  • Double-check username and password in the Battlehorns panel
  • Watch for extra spaces when pasting
  • Confirm protocol (SFTP vs FTP)

Connection timed out

  • Verify host and port
  • Try another network (some Wi‑Fi blocks FTP)
  • Contact support if the server IP changed

Could not retrieve directory listing

  • Enable Passive mode in Transfer Settings
  • Try FTPS or SFTP if your plan supports it

Security best practices

  • Prefer SFTP over plain FTP (encrypted credentials)
  • Never share FTP credentials in public Discord or email
  • Remove test files (test.php, old backups) from production
  • Backup before overwriting live files

Next steps on Battlehorns

After uploading, open your domain in the browser. For PHP, databases, or a larger plan:

Manage my services  ·  Hosting plans  ·  Support

Image sources: WordPress Developer Handbook and Wikimedia Commons. Tutorial adapted for Battlehorns customers.

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