> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.couchdrop.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.couchdrop.io/managed-file-transfer/ftp-and-ftps/how-to-connect-via-ftp-ftps.md).

# How to connect via FTP/FTPs

Learn how to connect to Couchdrop with FTP

Connecting to Couchdrop via an FTP client is simple and supported by all major FTP clients. 

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#### Requirements

To connect via FTP/FTPs, you will need: 

* A username & password *OR* A username & key
* The hostname for your Couchdrop POP.
* An FTP client or platform/software that supports FTP. 
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These details will need to be entered into the FTP client in the appropriate fields. 

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Your hostname will look like **\<my domain>.couchdrop.io** and can be found at the top of the dashboard in the Couchdrop web app.
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## FTP Connection Options

FTP has a few options around networking and security. Couchdrop attempts to support as many clients as feasible, but these are the recommendations.&#x20;

| Option               | Recommended Value          | Description                                                                                                                                                                                                                           |
| -------------------- | -------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| TLS auto negotiation | ON                         | <p>FTP by default is insecure. It is unencrypted and very easy to break. FTPs use an auto negotiation process that occurs during authentication that uses encrypted channels. <br><br>We recommended always enabling this option.</p> |
| Port                 | 20                         | Couchdrop uses the default port for FTP access                                                                                                                                                                                        |
| Passive Mode         | ON                         | Passive FTP mode forces the client to negotiate data channels with the server. This alleviates most of the issues with NAT and firewalls that do not support active channel negotiation.                                              |
| Hostname             | \<yourdomain>.couchdrop.io | Couchdrop provides a domain name for each tenant. You can find this under at the top of the dashboard in the Couchdrop web app.                                                                                                       |