FTP Client for Android
AnExplorer has a built-in FTP client supporting FTP, FTPS (FTP over TLS) and SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol). Connect to any remote server and manage files as if they were local.
Protocol Support
| Protocol | Security | Authentication | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| FTP | None (plaintext) | Username / password | Home NAS, router USB drive, LAN server |
| FTPS (Explicit) | TLS — starts unencrypted, upgrades | Username / password + cert | Hosting providers, secure LAN |
| FTPS (Implicit) | TLS — always encrypted | Username / password + cert | Legacy secure setups |
| SFTP | SSH — always encrypted | Password or private key | VPS, Linux servers, Raspberry Pi, cloud |
Setting Up a Connection
- Sidebar → + Add Storage → FTP (or SFTP).
- Enter:
- Host: IP address or hostname (
192.168.1.10,myserver.example.com) - Port: 21 for FTP, 22 for SFTP, 990 for implicit FTPS (or custom)
- Username / password — or leave blank for anonymous FTP
- Remote starting path (optional, e.g.
/home/user/files)
- Host: IP address or hostname (
- For SFTP: optionally choose a private key file stored on the device.
- Tap Connect — the remote filesystem appears immediately.
- Tap Save to bookmark the connection for one-tap future access.
All File Operations Over FTP
Everything you can do with local files is available remotely:
- Browse directory trees
- Upload files and folders (drag-and-drop style copy-paste)
- Download with progress tracking
- Rename, move, delete files and folders
- Create new directories
- Copy directly between FTP and SMB — no download to phone as intermediate
Background Transfers
Large uploads and downloads continue in the background. Close AnExplorer, use other apps — the transfer runs and shows progress in the Android notification shade. Complete a 5 GB folder transfer overnight.
Saved Connections & Reconnect
All server bookmarks are stored in Android's encrypted preferences. Tap the saved connection name to reconnect in one tap — no re-entering credentials.
SFTP Private Key Authentication
Load a PEM or OpenSSH-format private key from local storage or SD card. AnExplorer uses it automatically for passwordless SFTP auth — ideal for developer setups and unattended scripts.
Use Cases
- Access home NAS (OpenMediaVault, TrueNAS, Synology) over FTP
- Deploy files to a web hosting account via FTPS
- Retrieve config files from a router or IoT device via FTP
- Sync files with a Raspberry Pi over SFTP
- Pull logs from a VPS over SFTP without SSH app
Related Features
For Windows SMB network shares, use SMB File Manager. For Nextcloud/ownCloud, use Network Storage with WebDAV. For cloud providers like Dropbox, use Cloud Storage.