How to Access an FTP Server from the Browser

How to Access an FTP Server: A Beginner-Friendly Guide

FTP – short for File Transfer Protocol – has been around since long before “the cloud” or tools like Dropbox. It remains a foundational way to transfer files over the Internet, widely used by businesses, government agencies, and software providers alike.

While many organizations now turn to modern cloud-based file sharing platforms, FTP is still trusted for tasks that demand stability, control, and compatibility. Whether you’re downloading a software package from the IRS or uploading a file to a vendor, FTP is likely in the mix.

So how do you access an FTP server today? Let’s break it down.

What Is an FTP Server?

An FTP server stores files and provides access via FTP client software. You connect to it either with a dedicated FTP client (like FileZilla or WinSCP) or, in some cases, through your operating system’s file manager.

While web browsers used to support FTP directly, most modern browsers – including Chrome, Firefox, and Edge – no longer support FTP natively. That means using a dedicated FTP client is now the recommended approach for accessing FTP servers.

Types of FTP Access

Different organizations configure FTP access based on their goals:

• Anonymous FTP: No credentials needed. You may simply enter “anonymous” as the username, and your email as the password. Common for public downloads.
• Username-only access: Often used by schools or partners. You log in with a username but don’t need a password.
• Username + Password: Most secure and widely used. You’ll need login credentials to access the server.

No matter the type of access, an FTP client allows you to connect, upload, download, and manage files securely and efficiently.

How to Access an FTP Server (the Modern Way)

To connect to an FTP server today, follow these steps:

1. Choose an FTP client:
   Popular choices include:
2. FileZilla
3. WinSCP
4. Cyberduck
5. Gather your login info: You’ll need:
6. FTP host (e.g., ftp.example.com)
7. Port (default is 21 for FTP, 22 for SFTP)
8. Username and password (unless anonymous access is allowed)
9. Connect and manage files: Once connected, you can drag and drop files between your local system and the FTP server – just like managing files on your computer.

💡 Tip: For frequent access, you can also map an FTP server as a network drive in Windows or macOS.

A Note About FTP and Your Browser

While older tutorials may recommend using your browser to connect to FTP servers, this is no longer practical. Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Edge have all removed support for FTP due to security limitations and low usage.

If you're looking for convenience and security, dedicated FTP clients – or platforms with modern web interfaces – are the way to go.

Need FTP for Your Business?

If your business needs a dedicated FTP solution, the ExaVault FTP Appliance provides a secure, on-premise platform with:

• SFTP, FTPS, and FTP protocol support
• Granular user and folder permissions
• Built-in activity logging
• A web-based interface for user-friendly file management
• Compatibility with any FTP client

This makes ExaVault an excellent fit for organizations that want full control over infrastructure while offering FTP access for employees, partners, or customers.

Prefer a Cloud-Hosted FTP Platform?

If your team prefers not to manage infrastructure and wants a fully cloud-hosted FTP alternative, Files.com offers FTP, SFTP, and FTPS access via a cloud-native platform.

Files.com is ideal for businesses that:

• Need secure file transfer without managing hardware
• Want web-based access alongside traditional FTP client compatibility
• Require integrations, automation, and audit controls built-in

Wrapping Up

FTP remains a reliable and powerful way to move files between systems. Whether you’re accessing a public FTP site or uploading mission-critical data to your internal server, understanding how FTP works – and how to connect properly – is key.

For a robust, on-premise FTP solution, explore what the ExaVault FTP Appliance has to offer.
For a hosted alternative, take a look at Files.com to see if a cloud-native approach fits your business needs.

FAQs

Why can’t I access an FTP site?

If you're having trouble connecting to an FTP site, it could be due to a few common issues:

• Your FTP client settings may be incorrect.
• Your firewall or antivirus software could be blocking the connection.
• The server you're trying to reach might be offline or have restricted access.

Try using a dedicated FTP client like FileZilla or WinSCP, and make sure you have the correct hostname, port number, and login credentials.

Is my firewall blocking FTP?

Possibly. The default FTP port is 21 (or 22 for SFTP), and some firewalls or network configurations may block these ports.
Check your firewall or router settings to ensure outbound connections on those ports are allowed. You can also consult your IT administrator for help configuring firewall exceptions.

Does FTP still work in Chrome or Firefox?

No. FTP support has been removed from all major browsers, including:

• Chrome (since version 88)
• Firefox (since version 90)
• Microsoft Edge (based on Chromium)

To connect to an FTP server, it’s now recommended to use a dedicated FTP client, not a browser.

How can I connect to an FTP server with an IP address and port?

You can use an FTP client like FileZilla or WinSCP. Here's how:

1. Open your FTP client.
2. Enter the server's IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.100) and port number (usually 21 for FTP or 22 for SFTP).
3. Enter your username and password, then connect.

You can also map FTP as a network location in Windows Explorer for frequent access.

How can I download from an FTP site?

To download files from an FTP server:

1. Use an FTP client to connect to the server.
2. Navigate to the folder where the file is stored.
3. Drag the file to your local machine or click "Download."

Depending on the permissions set by the server administrator, you may also be able to upload or modify files.

Looking for a business-grade FTP solution?

ExaVault supports any FTP client and provides a user-friendly web interface for managing files, users, and permissions.
It’s an on-premise appliance designed for businesses that need secure, reliable file transfers with complete infrastructure control.

Do you need an FTP site to help facilitate FTP transfers for your business? ExaVault supports any FTP client and has an intuitive interface for file and user management.