# Connect to FTPs

### Introduction

Couchdrop can be connected to any external FTP/s server in a few simple steps. When connected, you can upload and download files to the external FTP/s provider. You can also take advantage of Couchdrop’s automation features and inbound transfer methods - such as mailboxes and upload links - to streamline and simplify data transfers.

{% hint style="warning" %}
FTPs is a different protocol to SFTP. If you are unsure - check with your provider as you may need to use the SFTP connector.
{% endhint %}

### Requirements

To connect to an external FTP server with Couchdrop you will need:

* The hostname or IP address and port number for the external server
* A username and password for the external server.
* A unique folder name in Couchdrop

### Configuration Steps

1. In Couchdrop; Click **+ Create -> Connect to Partners/Providers** or **+ Add Connection** from the Connections Tab
2. Select FTP Server from the list of available connections
3. Provide the configuration details as listed above
4. Click Test Connection
5. Choose a subfolder from the folder selector
6. Click **Save Settings**

{% hint style="info" %}
Most FTP providers use **port 21 .** Check  with your provider - but if unsure - try this port first. 
{% endhint %}

### How it works

Similar to all connections in Couchdrop - all external FTP connections appear as folders in Couchdrop. Couchdrop can transfer to and from the external FTP server directly or through automations. 

{% hint style="success" %}
External FTP providers appear as Virtual Folders in Couchdrop. We recommend learning about Virtual Folders [here](https://docs.couchdrop.io/connections/virtual-folders)
{% endhint %}

**Supported features with external** FTP **servers**

| Feature                   | Supported |
| ------------------------- | --------- |
| Inbound SFTP and FTPs     | Yes       |
| Inbound Mailboxes         | Yes       |
| Upload Links              | Yes       |
| Inbound Web hooks (https) | Yes       |
| Inbound AS2               | Yes       |
| Inbound S3 (S3 Gateway)   | Yes       |
| File Actions (copy, move) | Yes       |
| Transfer Automations      | Yes       |

###  Frequently Asked Questions

<details>

<summary>Can we schedule a copy from one FTP server to the cloud</summary>

Yes - this is Couchdrop's bread and butter. You can configure a connection to an external FTP server - select a folder and then automate a transfer using a Scheduled Transfer Automation that polls the FTP server for new files and then moves them. &#x20;

</details>

<details>

<summary>Can Couchdrop provide Static IPs that we can whitelist</summary>

Yes - Contact our support team to request static IPs.&#x20;

</details>

<details>

<summary>Do you support TLS</summary>

Yes - Connecting via TLS is enabled by default with external connections

</details>

<details>

<summary>Do you support implicit SSL for external FTP providers</summary>

Not currently - Implicit SSL is not as secure as FTP via TLS. If this is a deal breaker for you - reach out to <support@couchdrop.io> and we can chat about options and workarounds

</details>

### Common issues and errors

<details>

<summary>Access denied</summary>

Access denied when browsing, uploading or downloading files generally means that you do not have adequate permissions with the external platform. Contact the external providers support team to make sure you have permissions on there service.&#x20;

</details>

<details>

<summary>Timeout</summary>

A timeout normally occurs when there a firewall preventing access. Check with the external provider and talk to our support team about static IPs for the external vendor to whitelist.&#x20;

</details>


---

# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.couchdrop.io/connections/connect-providers-partners/connect-to-ftps.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.