Making a connection with FTPES (FTP using SSL)

Knowledgebase

FTP | Updated 2026

FTPES (FTP over Explicit TLS/SSL) is a secure version of FTP that encrypts your connection. Ultra Web Hosting supports FTPES on all servers. Here is how to connect using it.

FileZilla Settings

Use "Require explicit FTP over TLS"

In FileZilla Site Manager (File > Site Manager):
Protocol: FTP
Host: yourdomain.com
Port: 21
Encryption: Require explicit FTP over TLS
Logon Type: Normal
User: Your cPanel username
Password: Your cPanel password

01. Why Use FTPES?

Regular FTP sends your username, password, and file data in plain text. Anyone monitoring your network (like on public Wi-Fi) can intercept these credentials. FTPES encrypts the entire session, protecting both your login credentials and the files you transfer.

02. Certificate Warning

The first time you connect via FTPES, your FTP client may show a certificate warning. On shared hosting, the SSL certificate is issued for the server hostname, not your individual domain. This is normal and expected.

In FileZilla, check "Always trust this certificate in future sessions" and click OK. The connection is still encrypted even though the certificate name does not match your domain.

03. FTPES vs SFTP

FTPES (port 21) - FTP protocol with TLS encryption added. Available on all accounts.
SFTP (port 22) - Completely different protocol that runs over SSH. Requires SSH access to be enabled on your account. See SSH Access.

Both are secure. SFTP is simpler (no certificate warnings, single connection) but requires SSH access. FTPES works on all accounts without needing SSH.

For complete FTP client setup guides, see our FTP guide.