Using FileZilla to transfer files

Why FileZilla Is Still the Best Choice for File Transfer?

When it comes to transferring files between a local system and a server, there are many tools available; however, FileZilla remains the most popular choice among Iranian site administrators and developers for specific reasons. This open-source software is free, lightweight, and yet powerful. Unlike web-based tools such as the hosting file manager (cPanel File Manager), FileZilla allows you to move hundreds of files simultaneously, resume transfers if interrupted, and establish connections using secure protocols like SFTP.

In this article, you won't just see a list of features. You will learn how to connect to a server with FileZilla, understand the exact difference between FTP and SFTP, transfer large files without errors, and solve the most common problems every Iranian user faces.

Installing and Preparing FileZilla

FileZilla is released for all three operating systems: Windows, macOS, and Linux. To install it, go to the project's official website at filezilla-project.org and download the version compatible with your system. On Windows, be sure to select the FileZilla Client version, not the server version. Installation is very simple and requires no special configuration; just keep the Standard option selected during the installation type step.

After installation, the first thing you'll see is a four-panel interface: local files on the left, server files on the right, the transfer queue at the bottom, and the quick connect bar at the top. If you keep this structure in mind, the rest becomes easier.

Quick Connect in FileZilla

The simplest way to connect is using the quick connect bar at the top of the window. You have four fields: Host, Username, Password, and Port. If you've obtained your server login details from your hosting company, you usually have these values. For example:

Host: ftp.example.com
Username: myuser
Password: ********
Port: 21

After entering the details, click the Quickconnect button. If everything is correct, you'll see the list of server files in the right column. However, if you encounter the ECONNREFUSED error, it means the port is wrong or the server has rejected your request.

The Difference Between FTP and SFTP and Choosing the Right Protocol

Many users think FTP and SFTP differ by just one letter. This assumption is wrong. FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is an old protocol that sends data in plain text. This means if someone has access to your network, they can read your passwords and files. In contrast, SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol) encrypts all communications through the SSH protocol. This means even if data is intercepted along the way, it cannot be read.

To connect via SFTP in FileZilla, simply enter the address in the host field as follows:

sftp://example.com

Or, in the Site Manager window, set the protocol to SFTP - SSH File Transfer Protocol. The default SFTP port is 22, while FTP typically operates on port 21.

When Should We Use FTP?

If your server only supports FTP (for example, some older shared hosts), you have no choice but to use it. However, if you have the option, always prefer SFTP. Especially when using a public network or open Wi-Fi, using FTP means putting your information at risk. As a simple rule: never send your password over insecure networks using FTP.

Transferring Large Files with FileZilla Without Errors

Transferring a 50 MB file is fundamentally different from transferring a 5 GB file. As the size increases, the likelihood of connection drops, timeout errors, and data loss also increases. FileZilla has several key features for these situations that you should enable.

Enabling Transfer Resume

If a file transfer is interrupted midway, FileZilla automatically offers the option to resume the transfer. But to ensure this feature is always active, go to Edit → Settings → Transfers and set the If file already exists option to Resume. This way, if an incomplete file exists on the server, FileZilla will continue from the point of interruption and won't re-upload the entire file.

Setting the Number of Simultaneous Connections

Many users think the more simultaneous transfers, the faster the job gets done. This assumption is wrong in practice. Servers typically have limits on the number of simultaneous connections (for example, 5 or 10 connections). If FileZilla opens 20 simultaneous connections, the server will start rejecting requests and the overall speed will drop significantly. To avoid this problem, in Edit → Settings → Transfers, set the Maximum simultaneous transfers option to 2 or 3. For transferring large files, the number 2 offers the best balance between speed and stability.

Using the Transfer Queue

Instead of dragging and dropping files one by one, add all files to the queue. FileZilla will transfer them in order while respecting the connection limits. To do this, select the files, right-click, and choose the Upload option. At the bottom of the window, check the Queued files tab to see the status of each file.

Enabling Passive Mode

One of the most common causes of the Failed to retrieve directory listing error in FileZilla is a problem with Active Mode. In active mode, the server tries to establish a return connection to your system, which is usually blocked by a firewall or NAT. The solution is simple: from the Edit → Settings → Connection → FTP menu, select the Passive option. This mode resolves the issue in approximately 99% of cases.

Common Errors and How to Fix Them

No tool is without errors. In this section, we'll examine three common errors that Iranian users experience with FileZilla.

Error 530 Login incorrect

This error means the username or password is wrong. But sometimes the issue lies elsewhere. Some hosts only allow login with the full username (such as user@example.com), not just user. If you're sure the password is correct, try this format. Also, if your password contains special characters like @ or #, make sure FileZilla transmits it correctly. In some older versions, these characters caused issues in the password field.

Timeout Error After 20 Seconds

If the connection is established but drops after a few seconds, your system's firewall or antivirus is likely restricting FTP traffic. On Windows, add an inbound rule for the filezilla.exe program in the Windows Defender Firewall settings. Also, if you're using a VPN, sometimes the VPN causes connection drops; in this case, temporarily turn off the VPN and try again.

Problem Displaying the Directory Listing (Directory Listing Failed)

This error usually occurs for two reasons: active mode (which we explained in the previous section) or server port restrictions. If you've enabled passive mode and still have the issue, ask your server to check the passive port range. On shared hosts, this range is typically between ports 49152 and 65535.

Managing Multiple Servers with Site Manager

If you have more than one server (for example, a shared host and a cloud server), instead of manually entering the details each time, use the Site Manager. Press Ctrl+S to open the Site Manager window. Click New Site, give it a custom name, and save the connection details. Next time, simply select the site from the list and click the Connect button.

Important note: If you save the password, FileZilla stores it encrypted on your system. However, if you're using a shared system, it's better to select the Ask for password option so the password is requested each time.

Summary and Final Recommendation

FileZilla is an essential tool for anyone dealing with servers or hosting. By learning the difference between FTP and SFTP, properly configuring passive mode, and managing the transfer queue, you can move large files without errors and at a suitable speed. If you're looking for a professional solution for transferring files to your server and need advice on choosing the right protocol, the ServerNet support team can guide you in this regard.

Finally, one important security recommendation: always use SFTP, change your password regularly, and never store connection details in plain text files. By doing these, file transfer for you will not only be easy but also secure.