Knowledge Base

How do I upload my website using SFTP? (cPanel)

How do I upload my website using SFTP?

You can upload your website files using an FTP program such as FileZilla, Cyberduck, WinSCP, or another file transfer client.

We recommend using SFTP where possible.


Recommended connection type: SFTP

Use these settings in your FTP program:

  • Protocol: SFTP
  • Host: your domain name, for example yourdomain.co.nz
  • Username: your hosting account username
  • Password: your hosting account password
  • Port: 22

If your domain name has not yet been pointed to WebhostingNZ, use the server IP address from your hosting welcome email instead of your domain name.


How do I find my SFTP / FTP username and password?

You can find your hosting username and password from your WebhostingNZ client area.

  1. Log in to your client area.
  2. Click Manage to the right of your web hosting service on the dashboard.
  3. Click Details.
  4. Scroll to the bottom of the page.

Your hosting username and password shown there can be used for SFTP/FTP access.


What if the password says UnknownPass or does not work?

If the password shows as UnknownPass, or the password does not work, you can reset it from the client area.

From the same service management page, click:

Change cPanel Password

This resets your cPanel password and your SFTP/FTP password to the same new password.

Where should I upload my files?

For your main website, upload your files into:

public_html

This is the main website folder.

If you are uploading files for a subdomain or addon domain, use the folder assigned to that domain instead.


Important notes

Your homepage should normally be named one of the following:

  • index.html
  • index.htm
  • index.php

If you upload your website files to the wrong folder, the website may not display.


Need help?

If you cannot connect, please contact support and include:

  • the domain name
  • the FTP/SFTP program you are using
  • whether you are using SFTP or FTP
  • the hostname entered
  • the port entered
  • the exact error message
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