Common Error Messages on FileZilla

This article shows you common error messages that you may face on FileZilla while connecting through FTP and how it can be resolved.

Error Message 1:

Response:    421 Sorry, cleartext sessions are not accepted on this server.

Error:    Could not connect to server

Resolution :

Please check the following details while connecting via FileZilla :

Protocol: FTP protocol

Encryption: Require FTP over explicit TLS/SSL

LogonType : Normal

Error Message 2:

Response:    530 Login authentication failed

Error:    Critical error

Error:    Could not connect to server

Resolution :

Please check the following details while connecting via FileZilla:

Step 1

Host : IP Address

Port : 21

Protocol: FTP protocol

Encryption: FTP over explicit TLS/SSL

LogonType : Normal

UserName : Correct Username

Password : Correct Password

Step 2

If you are using the primary FTP connection details, please reset the FTP password which will in turn will reset the hosting panel password. You may Click Here to change the primary FTP details then try to connect.

If you are using secondary FTP connection details (FTP Accounts created from the hosting panel), please reset the FTP password from the cPanel/Plesk panel and then try to connect.

Step 3

Launch FileZilla, click Edit and select Settings.

Click on FTP on the left pane and in the middle pane make sure Passive is selected. Click OK and that's it.

Error Message 3:

Response:    530 User cannot log in, home directory inaccessible.

Error:    Critical error

Error:    Could not connect to server

Resolution :

 Step 1

Check if the home directory of the FTP account created exists or not. The problem can easily be fixed by creating the directory set as home for the FTP user. You can see which directory each FTP user has from your cPanel > FTP Accounts. The directory will be shown in the Path section of the page.

Step 2

Check the credentials of the FTP account created in the hosting panel. Try and reset the password if possible and then try to connect once again.

 Step 3

You also need to check the permission of the home folder. It must be 710 and not 755 (in case of Linux Hosting).

Error Message 4 :

Response:    421 Home directory not available - aborting

Error:    Could not connect to server

Resolution :

This means that the FTP user you are trying to log in with is configured to use a home directory which does not exist. The problem can easily be fixed by creating the directory set as home for the FTP user. You can see which directory each FTP user has from your cPanel > FTP Accounts. The directory will be shown in the Path section of the page.