Why browser-based FTP no longer works and what to use instead

If you’ve recently tried to access your FTP server by typing ftp://yourserver.com in your web browser and found it no longer works, you’re not alone. In particular, all major web browsers including Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari have removed support for FTP connections. Furthermore, this change affects millions of users who relied on browser-based FTP for quick file access, but the shift to more secure alternatives benefits everyone in the long run.

What happened to browser FTP support

Browser-based FTP was once a convenient way to view files on your server without installing additional software. Simply by typing ftp://hostname in your browser’s address bar, you could access your server’s file directory. However, major browsers have progressively removed this functionality over the past few years:

Google Chrome: Removed FTP support in version 95 (October 2021)
Mozilla Firefox: Disabled FTP by default in version 88, removed completely in version 90 (2021)
Microsoft Edge: Removed FTP support following Chromium updates (2021)
Safari: Removed FTP support in macOS 12 Monterey (2021)

Consequently, attempting to access FTP URLs in modern browsers will result in error messages or simply fail to load.

Why browsers removed FTP support

Browser vendors made this decision for several important security and practical reasons:

Security vulnerabilities:

FTP transmits usernames and passwords in plain text without encryption
Anyone monitoring network traffic could intercept your credentials
File transfers via FTP are completely unencrypted and vulnerable to interception
No protection against man-in-the-middle attacks

Limited functionality:

Browser FTP only allowed viewing and downloading files
Could not upload files or create directories
No support for file editing or permission management
Poor user experience compared to dedicated clients

Low usage statistics:

Less than 0.1% of browser users accessed FTP sites
Modern alternatives provide better security and features
Maintenance burden outweighed the minimal benefit

What to use instead of browser FTP

Modern alternatives provide much better security, functionality, and user experience than browser-based FTP ever did.

1. Dedicated FTP clients (Recommended):

FTP clients provide full functionality, secure connections, and professional-grade features. Moreover, they support modern protocols like SFTP and FTPS that encrypt your connection completely.

FileZilla: Free, open-source, works on Windows, Mac, and Linux – Learn how to use FileZilla
Cyberduck: Free with donation option, clean interface for Windows and Mac
WinSCP: Free, lightweight, specializes in SFTP for Windows
Transmit: Premium Mac application with advanced features

2. cPanel File Manager:

If you have cPanel hosting, the built-in File Manager provides a web-based interface with full functionality:

Access from any browser without installing software
Upload, download, edit, and manage files
Change permissions and ownership
Extract and create archive files
Built-in text editor for quick changes

3. SFTP via SSH:

For advanced users, SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol) provides the most secure method:

All data and credentials fully encrypted
Uses secure SSH connection
Command-line or GUI client options
Ideal for automated transfers and scripts

How to get your FTP credentials

To connect using any of these alternatives, you’ll need your FTP account details:

Hostname: Usually ftp.yourdomain.com or your server’s IP address
Username: Your FTP account username
Password: Your FTP account password
Port: 21 for FTP, 1022 for SFTP

If you’re not sure where to find these details, check our guide on how to locate your FTP credentials.

Making the switch is easy

Transitioning from browser-based FTP to a proper FTP client takes just a few minutes:

Step 1: Download and install an FTP client like FileZilla (free)
Step 2: Gather your FTP credentials from your hosting control panel
Step 3: Create a new connection in your FTP client with your details
Step 4: Choose SFTP protocol for secure, encrypted connection
Step 5: Save your connection for easy future access

Once configured, you’ll find that dedicated FTP clients are actually much easier to use than browser-based FTP ever was. In fact, features like drag-and-drop uploads, queue management, and synchronized browsing make file management significantly more efficient.

Benefits of using modern FTP alternatives

Switching to proper FTP clients offers numerous advantages over the old browser method:

Security: SFTP and FTPS encrypt all data and credentials
Full functionality: Upload, download, edit, delete, and manage files
Better performance: Faster transfers and resume capabilities
Advanced features: Directory comparison, synchronized browsing, file search
Queue management: Handle multiple transfers efficiently
Bookmarks: Save frequently used connections
Transfer logs: Track all file operations
Drag-and-drop: Intuitive file management

Need help getting started?

While browser-based FTP is no longer available, modern alternatives provide much better security and functionality. Whether you choose a dedicated FTP client, cPanel File Manager, or SFTP access, you’ll find these tools easier to use and far more secure than browser FTP ever was.

Our FTP tutorials provide step-by-step guides for all major FTP clients and file management methods. Furthermore, our support team is available 24/7 to help you set up secure file transfers and answer any questions you have about managing your website files.

The shift away from browser-based FTP represents a positive move toward better security practices. Nevertheless, with the right tools and guidance, transferring files to your server is easier and more secure than ever before.