FTP Server Test Test FTP Connection, Login and Listing Online
Test your FTP server from outside your network. This free online FTP test connects to your server from locations around the world, logs in, optionally lists a directory, and shows every server reply with its timing.
At a glance
- Connection test: DNS, connect, server greeting, login, current directory and optional change of directory, each timed.
- Directory listing: optional passive-mode (PASV) listing; the first 200 entries are shown.
- FTPS: explicit (AUTH TLS on port 21) and implicit (TLS from the start, port 990), with certificate details.
- Anonymous or authenticated: leave the login empty to test anonymous FTP.
- Full transcript: every command and server reply, with the password masked.
- Global: test from up to 3 locations at once without an account.
- Free: no sign-up; export results as PDF, CSV or JSON.
How to test an FTP server connection
- Enter the FTP server host name or IPv4 address.
- Choose SSL: none (plain FTP), explicit (AUTH TLS) or implicit.
- Enter a login and password, or leave them empty for anonymous FTP.
- Optionally enter a directory and tick List the directory.
- Select up to three locations and click Run Test.
Ports 21, 990 and 2121 are supported. Port 21 is the default; implicit FTPS uses 990.
What the FTP test checks
| Step | Command | Expected reply |
|---|---|---|
| Connect and greeting | (TCP connect) | 220 Service ready |
| Encryption (explicit FTPS) | AUTH TLS | 234 |
| Login | USER / PASS | 230 Logged in |
| Current directory | PWD | 257 |
| Change directory (optional) | CWD | 250 |
| Directory listing (optional) | PASV, LIST | 150 / 125, then 226 |
The results show connect time, login time, the login result, the number of listing entries and the total time for each location, plus the full step timeline.
Common FTP errors and how to fix them
- Connection timed out: a firewall blocks port 21 (or 990), or the server is down. Test from several locations to rule out regional routing.
- 530 Login incorrect: wrong user name or password, or anonymous login is disabled.
- Listing fails or hangs after PASV: the passive port range is closed on the firewall. Open it, and make sure the server advertises it correctly.
- TLS handshake or certificate error: the certificate has expired, doesn't match the host name, or the chain is incomplete. The certificate card shows which.
- 550 on CWD: the directory doesn't exist or the user has no permission.
FTP, FTPS and SFTP
FTP sends commands and data unencrypted. FTPS is FTP with TLS encryption, either negotiated with AUTH TLS (explicit) or from the first byte (implicit). This test supports FTP and FTPS. SFTP is a different protocol that runs over SSH and is not supported by this tool.
Related free tools
- Web Server Test: check an HTTP or HTTPS server.
- Ping Test and Traceroute Test: check whether the server is reachable and where the connection fails.
To monitor FTP availability 24/7, including file downloads and alerts, see Dotcom-Monitor.
Frequently asked questions
How do I test if my FTP server is working?
Enter the server's host name in this FTP test, add a login if anonymous access is off, and run it. A successful result means the server accepted the connection, returned a 220 greeting and accepted the login from each location.
Can I test FTPS?
Yes. Choose explicit SSL for servers that use AUTH TLS on the normal port, or implicit SSL for servers that use TLS from the start (usually port 990). The test protects the data connection too and shows the certificate details.
Does the FTP test support SFTP?
No. SFTP runs over SSH and is a different protocol. This tool tests FTP and FTPS only.
Why does my FTP directory listing fail?
Usually because the passive-mode data ports are blocked by a firewall or NAT device. The login succeeds on port 21, but the data connection for LIST cannot be opened. Open the server's passive port range.
Is it safe to enter my FTP password?
Passwords are encrypted at rest and masked in results and shared links. As a best practice, use a dedicated test account with read-only access.
Does the test download or upload files?
No. It connects, logs in and optionally lists a directory. No files are downloaded or uploaded.
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