Delete an FTP account in cPanel when a separate file-transfer login is no longer required. Usually you should remove the account while keeping its files. The account-and-files option can delete an entire website if the account's home directory contains that website.
Before you start
- Confirm the complete username and assigned directory. Stop or update approved transfer jobs that still use this login.
- Back up any files that might be removed. Check whether other websites, FTP users, or applications use the same folder or any of its subdirectories.
Instructions
Locate the intended account
Open FTP Accounts in cPanel. Find the regular account to remove and verify its directory. Do not confuse it with the special primary hosting account.
Open the deletion choices
Choose Delete beside the account and read the available actions. Removing only the login and removing its home directory are different operations.
Keep files unless removal is deliberate
Choose Delete Account to revoke the account while preserving its files. Do not choose Delete Account and Files merely because you want to stop someone signing in.
Confirm the chosen action
Confirm only after reviewing the username and directory. If intentionally deleting files too, verify a usable backup and all folder dependencies before proceeding.
Clean up saved access
Remove obsolete saved credentials from your transfer client and update any automation. For an immediate access-revocation concern, ask support to check remaining active connections as well.
Check the result
- The removed username no longer appears in the regular FTP account list and cannot start a new connection.
- If you chose account-only deletion, the website and files remain available through other authorized access.
Troubleshooting
- A special FTP account cannot be deleted.
- Some accounts are tied to the hosting service and are not removable through this list. Ask support how to manage the associated access.
- Website files were deleted accidentally.
- Stop making changes in that directory and contact support about available restore options. Do not assume deleted server files are in a recycle bin.
Watch the video
The video may show an older interface. Use the written instructions above when screen names differ.
Continue with a related task
- How to Create an FTP Account in cPanel
- How to Change an FTP Account Password in cPanel
- How to Download Website Files with FileZilla
