Could Not Connect to Server in FileZilla [Solved]

The free FTP ( Free Transfer protocol) solution, FileZilla is open-source software that helps transfer files from a local computer to a remote one. Filezilla also supports Secure file transfer protocol, ie SFTP, and is available as in both client and server versions. At ServerAdminz, our server engineers get queries asking how to resolve the critical error: could not connect to the server in FileZilla. Hence, we thought of writing an article about the server connection issue, which would help you get to resolve the critical error on your own. But, before going deeper into the troubleshooting steps, let’s have a look at some best features of FileZilla and the steps to set up a server connection.

Features of FileZilla:

  • FileZilla allows content comparison of the local directory and remote directory.
  • The status of transferred files and files in the queue is displayed in FileZilla.
  • A list of FTP servers and their associated data are created and stored by the site manager.
  • Offers drag and drop method and allow modifications in file and folders.

Steps To Establish Server Connection and Transferring Files Using FileZilla:

  • Select the installed Filezilla from the menu bar.
  • Open the Files and select Site Manager.
  • Choose New site from the box that appeared.
  • Select SFTP – SSH File Transfer Protocol in Protocol box.
  • Enter the server address you want to connect in the Host box and Port box with 22.
  • Fill the user name assigned for you in the User box and Select Connect.
  • If you trust the host, you are free to navigate to the next step by selecting always trust this host and Then click OK.
  • Enter the password to connect and Then OK.

When FileZilla Opens, you will see a box appearing. On the left side is your local computer and on the right side, the remote site. You are now able to transfer files by the drag and drop method or by copying files. If you face any problem during the installation, server connection, or file transfer using Filezilla, contact your server administrators to get help. ServerAdminz stands as a premium server management company that offers top-notch server support services to all levels of enterprises. 

If you are done with your successful installation, there may a chance of facing some technical issues while connecting to the FTP or SFTP. Generally, these issues come with incorrect login credentials or wrong remote connection methods. Here, let us discuss some other causes for the occurrence of the critical error: could not connect to server in FileZilla.

Causes for Could Not Connect to Server in FileZilla:

  • Incorrect FTP Port Number

Generally, a secured FileZilla port number is considered as 22. Hence, to use a secured file transfer protocol (SFTP), you should change the default port number to 22. An incorrect port number can be a reason for getting the error message, could not connect to server in FileZilla.  

  • Active Mode & Connection Issues

By default, FileZilla has Active mode connections to transfer the files. In Active Mode, the FTP connections are not firewall-friendly and this may lead to connectivity issues. 

  • Incorrect Login Credentials

As usual, many of the users get the error could not connect to the server in Filezilla due to the use of incorrect login credentials. We suggest our customers check their user ID and password multiple times and confirm you are entering the accurate credentials.

  • Too Many Connections

If your FTP server receives too many connections simultaneously, you will receive the critical error: could not connect to the server in FileZilla.

Solution for the Critical Error: Could Not Connect to the Server in Filezilla

  • Check Network Configuration

Before moving to the troubleshooting steps for the above-mentioned causes, you should check if you have a successful local network configuration.

If you have any issues in the network or the router settings, you will end up with an error status such as :

“Status: Connection attempt failed with “ECONNREFUSED – Connection refused by server “

To troubleshoot this issue, follow the below steps.

  • Go to the Main menu and choose the Edit option
  • Navigate to Network Configuration Wizard and click Next.
  • Enter the details and click Next.

The FileZilla gathers all the information required and performs a test connection to bring errors if any. Hence, if it does not give any error status, the problem probably is on the remote site, where you are trying to connect to.

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  • Enter Accurate Login Credentials

In many cases, the credentials for login to the website will be different from the credentials used for logging in to the file transfer connections. Check with your hosting provider to collect correct login credentials for your SSH, FTP or SFTP connection details.  

  • Limiting the Number of Connections to the Server

By limiting the live connections to your server, you can reduce the probability of getting could not connect to server in FileZilla. You may limit the number of connections with your site manager. For this, 

  • Firstly, open Site Manager and select Files.
  • Choose appropriate connection information.
  • Recheck your transfer settings.
  • Finally, click OK

  • Change the Port Number to 22

By default, the port number for secured file transfer protocol is 22. If you have a port connection number other than 22 may lead to the error message -could not connect to server in Filezilla. Hence, to resolve the issue, change the port number to 22 in FileZilla client software.

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  • Change to Passvise Tranfer Mode

As we mentioned, FTP clients can use both active and passive modes for transferring the files. Usually, depending on the configurations, Active mode can bring connectivity issues. Since the active mode is a default transfer mode, you need to change it to passive mode manually. Basically, The passive transfer mode reduces connectivity issues and is considered firewall-friendly.

To change the transfer mode,

  • Go to the Site Manager and select the Transfer Settings.
  • Choose the Passive button. 
  • Proceed by clicking OK.

Wrap Up

Filezilla stands as a free open source software and FTP/SFTP application that is used to transfer the files between a remote site and a local computer. But sometimes, you may encounter some connectivity issues within your server. Generally, the problem arises with the wrong configuration or incorrect login credentials. But other than these, there are multiple causes which we will neglect, but are important. 

As the best server support service provider, we get requests to resolve such server connectivity issues. With this article, we discuss some common causes for the critical error: could not connect to server in FileZilla and some best methods to resolve it. 

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