How to check if my FTP/SFTP connection is working?

To verify that your FTP/SFTP connection is working, follow these steps:

1. Test the same credentials (host, username, password, port) in FileZilla. If FileZilla returns an error such as "Authentication failed" or "Please check username & password", the credentials are incorrect and must be confirmed with your supplier.
2. Confirm that the filename and folder path match exactly what exists on the FTP server. Filenames are case-sensitive (for example, CO0040StoCK.csv is different from CO0040Stock.csv).
3. Ensure the file actually exists on the server. If you receive errors like "ftp_file_not_found", compare the feed’s configured path with the actual server directory.
4. Once corrected, use the Test Connection button in Step 1 of Stock Sync to confirm the connection.

Additional notes:

• If authentication errors persist even after verifying credentials, ask the supplier to confirm whether the account is active and accessible—many failed logins are caused by issues on the supplier’s server.
• If a connection works only after switching from FTP to SFTP (or vice versa), confirm with the supplier which protocol is required.
• Stock Sync cannot read files stored on a local hard drive. Files must be hosted on a server or cloud storage.
• If the file loads but returns zero updated items, check whether the incoming file format is valid. Malformed structures (such as CSV wrapped in square brackets) may prevent parsing and require correction by the supplier.
• Make sure the host does not include http:// or folder paths. It should be only the server address (e.g., ftp.example.com or an IP). In some cases, only the full ftp subdomain (e.g., ftp.example.com) is reachable whereas the base domain (example.com) is not.
• For FTP, the default port is usually 21, and some servers require setting encryption to Plain FTP.
• If your server uses firewall restrictions, ensure Stock Sync’s static IP 52.20.189.51 is whitelisted. If a connection works locally but fails from Stock Sync, the server firewall is likely blocking the request.
• Some servers require the exact filename, and dynamic or date-based filenames cannot be fetched unless the full filename is provided.
• If the connection times out even after whitelisting, ask the server owner to check their firewall or security settings.
• If the connection also times out when tested through FileZilla, the issue is likely on the server side, and the SFTP host may be unreachable externally.
• If Stock Sync shows “No files found,” confirm that the SFTP folder is not empty and that the expected file has actually been uploaded.
• FTP access is disabled on the Free plan, so feeds depending on FTP will not work unless the plan includes Update Feed.

For FileZilla usage instructions, click here: https://filezillapro.com/docs/v3/basic-usage-instructions/connecting-to-a-server/

Updated on: 09/07/2026