Common FTP Errors With Solutions Important to Know

FTP Error Code / Message

Meaning / Cause

Solution
(What You Should Do)

530 Login authentication failed

It means there is an Incorrect FTP username or password.

You need to double-check your FTP login credentials. Ensure there are no extra spaces and that you are using the correct username and password from your hosting panel.

421 Too many connections

It means that you have opened too many FTP sessions at once.

You need to close unused FTP connections or increase the connection limit from cPanel/WHM (if possible). FileZilla also allows you to reduce simultaneous connections.

550 Permission denied / Failed to open file

It means there is a lack of file or folder permissions.

You need to ensure that your user has both read and write access to the directory. You may need to update file permissions (typically 755 for folders and 644 for files).

Connection timed out

It means that the server is not responding, or the firewall blocks the port.

You need to check your internet connection and ensure that port 21 is open, and your firewall/antivirus isn’t blocking the FTP client.

Could not connect to server

It means that the FTP server is down, or the hostname is incorrect.

You need to verify the FTP hostname (often ftp.yourdomain.com) and confirm if the server is up. Ping your domain or contact your host.

530 User cannot log in, home directory inaccessible

This indicates that the home directory path is either missing or misconfigured.

In this case, you need to contact your hosting provider to fix the FTP root path or assign correct permissions.

Connection refused by server

It means that the server is rejecting connection requests.

You need to ensure that the FTP service is running on the server. Restart the FTP service via cPanel/WHM or contact your hosting support for assistance.

SSL/TLS error – unable to establish secure connection

It means that the FTP client failed to connect using secure encryption.

You have to try by connecting with ‘Plain FTP’ instead of ‘FTP over TLS.’ Additionally, verify if the server supports FTPS.

425 Can’t open data connection

This type of error occurred due to a conflict between the Passive and Active FTP modes.

You need to switch between Passive and Active mode in your FTP client settings. Most servers prefer Passive mode.

Network error: Software caused connection abort

This FTP error occurs due to an unstable network connection.

You need to restart your router, switch to a different network, or try again later. Also, check for any interference from firewalls or antivirus software.

Error: Critical file transfer error

It means that the file failed to upload or download.

In this case, you need to check file size limits, server disk space, or try transferring the file again. Also, you need to ensure you have permission to modify the file or folder.

FTP Error 500 – Syntax error, command unrecognized

This FTP error occurs because of an invalid or unsupported FTP command.

To resolve this, ensure that you are using a compatible FTP client and that the server supports the command being sent.

553 Could not create file

This FTP error occurs due to an invalid filename or a permission issue.

You need to check the file name for special characters or spaces. Additionally, ensure the directory is writable.

Cannot open data connection

It means that the Data connection between the client and the server failed.

For this, you need to use Passive Mode, check firewall rules, and ensure the port range is open.

Connection failed

This is a General connection failure.

To resolve this, you need to check the FTP host, port, credentials, and network. You can try another FTP client to confirm.

Destination address required

It means that no IP or hostname was provided in the request.

You need to make sure you have entered a valid hostname in the FTP client (e.g., ftp.yourdomain.com).

Host not found

It means that you have entered an Invalid domain or server address.

You need to check for typos in the FTP hostname. Use the correct format and confirm that DNS is properly resolving.

Invalid argument

It means that the FTP command sent is incorrect.

You can try by reconnecting with the correct FTP configuration. Additionally, ensure that folder paths and filenames are valid.

FTP connection timeout

It means there is no response from the server within the expected time.

You need to use the same approach as ‘Connection timed out’, by checking your internet, firewall, or using Passive Mode.

Connection attempt failed with “eai_noname”

It means that there is an Invalid or missing hostname.

To resolve this, you have to check the hostname field & Replace localhost with the actual domain/IP (e.g., ftp.example.com).

Your bandwidth usage is restricted

It means that the host has limited FTP bandwidth per user

To resolve this, you need to upgrade the hosting plan or wait until the bandwidth resets. Contact your host if it’s a mistake or the restriction is unclear.