Remote destination
Configure FTP for WordPress backups.
FTP is useful when your host or infrastructure provider gives you a separate storage server. It is simple and widely supported, but SFTP is preferred when encrypted transfer is available.
What you need
- FTP server hostname.
- Port, usually 21.
- FTP username and password.
- Remote folder path for backups.
- Passive mode preference from your hosting provider.
Configuration Steps
- Open StifLi Backup Tools > Remote Destinations.
- Select FTP.
- Enter server, port, username and password.
- Enable passive mode unless your provider tells you otherwise.
- Set the remote folder where backups should be stored.
- Choose the maximum number of backups to keep.
- Save and test the connection.
- Run a manual backup and check the folder with an FTP client.
Recommended Settings
| Setting | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Passive mode | Keep enabled for most shared hosting and firewall setups. |
| Timeout | Use a higher timeout for slow FTP servers or large uploads. |
| Folder | Use a non-public folder outside web root when possible. |
| Retention | Keep enough restore points without filling the remote account. |
Security Notes
Plain FTP does not protect credentials or files in transit. Use it only when you trust the network and provider, or when FTPS/SFTP is not available. For sensitive sites, use SFTP instead.