# FTP accounts do not work after a FileZilla upgrade

> Fix FTP connection errors after upgrading FileZilla by adjusting the encryption setting for your saved sites.

Source: https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/getting-started/your-account/ftp-accounts-do-not-work-after-filezilla-upgrade/

After upgrading FileZilla to version **3.10 or later**, you may find that your FTP accounts no longer connect properly. Instead, you might see errors such as:

```bash
Error: Connection timed out
Error: Failed to retrieve directory listing
```

This article explains why this happens and how to resolve it.

## Problem

- FileZilla version 3.10 introduced a change that **forces TLS encryption** on plain FTP connections.
- This affects both **new site entries** you create in Site Manager and **existing saved sites**.
- As a result, connections that previously worked with plain FTP may now fail.

```
Note: This issue does not affect SFTP connections. If you use SFTP, your connections will continue to work normally.
```

## Resolution

To fix this issue, you need to adjust the encryption settings in FileZilla:

1. Open **FileZilla**.
2. Go to **File → Site Manager**.
3. Under **Select Entry**, choose the site you want to fix.
4. On the **General** tab, find the **Encryption** dropdown.
5. Change the setting to:

   - **Only use plain FTP (insecure)** — if you want to continue using unencrypted FTP.
   - Or, preferably, switch to **Require explicit FTP over TLS** for secure connections (recommended).
6. Click **OK** to save your changes.
7. Reconnect to your site.

## Best Practice: Use SFTP

While you can continue using plain FTP, Ruachost strongly recommends using **SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol)** instead:

- It encrypts both your login credentials and file transfers.
- It avoids compatibility issues introduced by FileZilla updates.
- It uses the same login details as your SSH/cPanel account.