FTP and SFTP both transfer files, but they are different protocols.
- FTP uses an FTP server and separate FTP credentials. Traditional unencrypted FTP should not be preferred when a secure option is available.
- SFTP transfers files through SSH and encrypts the session. It requires shell/SSH access for the account.
cPanel specifically recommends SFTP when logging in with the primary FTP/system account. Separate FTP accounts are managed from cPanel → Files → FTP Accounts.
Use the connection method actually enabled for the account and configure the file-transfer client with the correct hostname, username, protocol, port, and password/key.
