How to upload large files via FTP

When uploading large files to your hosting, there are size limits and best practices to ensure successful transfers. This guide covers FTP upload limits and alternative methods for larger files.

FTP upload limits

Maximum file size

• FTP limit: 5GB per file
• Total transfer: No limit on total data
• Multiple files: Can upload multiple large files
• Session timeout: Long transfers may timeout

What happens above 5GB

• Transfer will fail or timeout
• Partial file may be left on server
• Need to use alternative upload methods
• Consider splitting files if possible

Optimizing large FTP uploads

Before you start

1. Stable connection: Ensure reliable internet
2. Unlock FTP: Set longer unlock duration
3. Free space: Verify sufficient disk space
4. File integrity: Create checksums if needed

FileZilla settings for large files

1. Open FileZilla and go to Edit → Settings
2. Navigate to Connection:
   • Set Timeout: 300 seconds (5 minutes)
   • Set Number of retries: 10
3. Go to Transfers:
   • Enable Keep alive commands
   • Set concurrent transfers to 1 for large files
4. Click OK to save settings

Step-by-step large file upload

1. Prepare for upload

1. Connect to FTP using your preferred client
2. Navigate to the target directory
3. Ensure FTP unlock duration covers expected transfer time
4. Close unnecessary applications to free resources

2. Start the upload

1. Drag file from local to remote directory
2. Monitor transfer progress in status window
3. Avoid interrupting the connection
4. Keep computer active (prevent sleep mode)

3. Monitor and troubleshoot

• Slow speeds: Check network usage
• Stalled transfers: May resume automatically
• Connection drops: FileZilla can resume transfers
• Timeouts: Restart transfer from where it stopped

Alternative methods for files over 5GB

SSH/SCP upload (Recommended)

For files larger than 5GB, use SSH-based transfer:

1. Enable SSH access in your control panel
2. Use WinSCP (Windows) or command line tools
3. No size limits with SSH transfers
4. More secure than standard FTP

Using WinSCP for large files

1. Download and install WinSCP
2. Create new session with:
   • Protocol: SFTP
   • Host: Your server hostname
   • Username/Password: Your SSH credentials
3. Connect and upload large files without size restrictions

File splitting method

Split large files into smaller chunks:

1. Split files into 4GB chunks using tools like:
   • 7-Zip (Windows)
   • split command (Linux/Mac)
   • WinRAR (Windows)
2. Upload each chunk separately via FTP
3. Reassemble on server using SSH or scripts

Direct upload via web

• File Manager: cPanel file manager (limited by PHP settings)
• Cloud sync: Upload to cloud storage, then download to server
• Rsync: If available, use rsync for large transfers

Best practices for large uploads

Before uploading

• Test with smaller files first
• Check available disk space on server
• Compress files if possible to reduce size
• Plan transfer time based on connection speed

During upload

• Monitor progress regularly
• Keep connection stable (avoid WiFi if possible)
• Don't start other large downloads
• Disable power saving on computer

After upload

• Verify file size matches original
• Test file integrity if critical
• Clean up temporary files if used splitting method
• Lock FTP access when finished

Troubleshooting large file uploads

Upload fails or stops

• Resume transfer: Most FTP clients can resume
• Check FTP unlock: May have expired during transfer
• Verify disk space: Server may be full
• Try alternative method: Switch to SSH/SCP

Slow upload speeds

• Use wired connection: More stable than WiFi
• Close other applications: Free up bandwidth
• Try different times: Network may be less congested
• Use passive mode: Better for firewalls

Connection timeouts

• Increase timeout values in FTP client
• Enable keep-alive commands
• Extend FTP unlock duration
• Consider SSH transfer for reliability

Calculating upload time

Estimate transfer time based on your connection:

• 1GB file:
  • 10 Mbps: ~15 minutes
  • 50 Mbps: ~3 minutes
  • 100 Mbps: ~90 seconds
• 5GB file:
  • 10 Mbps: ~75 minutes
  • 50 Mbps: ~15 minutes
  • 100 Mbps: ~7.5 minutes