Overview

When connecting to your hosting account via FTP, you may occasionally experience slow performance. This can manifest as long delays during initial login, directory listings taking several seconds to load (hanging at MLSD or LIST commands), or slow file transfer speeds when uploading individual files.

In most cases, slow FTP performance is caused by local client settings, network latency, or uploading large batches of uncompressed files. Follow the troubleshooting steps below to resolve the issue.

Step 1: Self-Service Troubleshooting & Quick Fixes

1. Upload a Compressed (.zip) File via File Manager (Fastest Method)

If you are uploading a folder containing thousands of small files (like a WordPress site, images, or code framework):

• Why FTP is slow: FTP creates a separate connection and handshake for every individual file, which causes massive overhead and delay over remote networks.

• The Solution: Compress your files into a single .zip file on your computer, log into Plesk > File Manager, upload the single .zip file, and click Extract. This is up to 10x faster than uploading via traditional FTP.

2. Switch Your FTP Client to Passive Mode

If your FTP connection hangs or times out while attempting to load directory contents (MLSD or LIST commands):

• In FileZilla: Go to Edit > Settings > Connection > FTP. Under Transfer Mode, select Passive (recommended).

• In Cyberduck: Go to Preferences > Transfers > General and set the connection mode to Passive (PASV).

3. Increase Simultaneous Connections

If file transfers are moving slowly one file at a time:

• In FileZilla: Go to File > Site Manager, select your entry, click the Transfer Settings tab, check Limit number of simultaneous connections, and set the maximum number to 5 or 8.

Step 2: Advanced Network Checks

• Local Firewall / Antivirus: Temporarily disable local firewall software or network security tools that perform deep packet inspection on outgoing Port 21/22 traffic.

• Test via Plain FTP or FTPS: If explicit TLS handshakes are running slowly due to network latency, test connecting via standard FTP on Port 21 to determine if encryption overhead is causing the bottleneck.

When to Contact Live Support

If you have enabled Passive Mode, tested uploading via File Manager, and are still experiencing persistent 10+ second delays during initial password prompts or server authentication:

• Action: Connect directly with a Live Agent via chat, phone call.