FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is the standard way to transfer files to and from servers, NAS devices, and routers. AnExplorer connects to any FTP server directly from your phone — browse server directories, upload files, and download content without needing a separate FTP app.
What FTP Is Used For
| Use case | FTP server location |
|---|---|
| Home NAS (Synology, QNAP, WD) | Your local router IP |
| Web hosting server | Your domain host (e.g., 123.45.67.89) |
| Router with USB storage | Router gateway IP (often 192.168.1.1) |
| Raspberry Pi file server | Pi's local IP address |
| Another Android phone acting as FTP server | Phone's Wi-Fi IP |
| FTP server run by AnExplorer on phone | localhost or phone IP |
Step-by-Step: Add an FTP Connection
- Open AnExplorer
- Tap the + (plus) button in the sidebar
- Select FTP from the connection types
- Enter connection details:
- Host: IP address or hostname (e.g.,
192.168.1.50orftp.example.com) - Port: Default is
21(change if your server uses a custom port) - Username and Password: Your FTP credentials
- Path: Leave blank to start from server root, or enter
/publicto land in a subfolder
- Host: IP address or hostname (e.g.,
- Tap Connect
- Optionally name the connection (e.g., "Home NAS") and save it for quick access later
FTP vs FTPS vs SFTP
| Protocol | Port | Encryption | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| FTP | 21 | ❌ None | Local network (home, office) |
| FTPS | 990 or 21 (explicit) | ✅ TLS/SSL | Secure FTP over internet |
| SFTP | 22 | ✅ SSH | Secure FTP, always encrypted |
For home network use (phone to NAS on same Wi-Fi), plain FTP is fine — traffic doesn't leave your router. For remote access over the internet, use FTPS or SFTP. Both are available in AnExplorer.
FTP Connection Details by NAS Brand
Synology NAS
- Enable FTP: DSM > Control Panel > File Services > FTP > Enable FTP service
- Host: Synology IP (find in router DHCP table)
- Port: 21 (or 990 for FTPS)
- Credentials: Your DSM username/password
QNAP NAS
- Enable FTP: Main Menu > Control Panel > Network & File Services > FTP
- Host: QNAP IP address
- Port: 21 by default
Western Digital (WD) NAS
- WD My Cloud Home uses a proprietary cloud-based setup; direct FTP may require enabling via the WD UI
- WD My Cloud EX2/EX4 supports FTP via the Dashboard > Settings > Network Services > FTP
Router with USB (e.g., ASUS, TP-Link, Netgear)
- Enable USB storage FTP in router admin panel
- Host: Router LAN IP (usually
192.168.1.1or192.168.0.1) - Username/Password: Set in router USB settings
What You Can Do Once Connected
- Browse server files and folders with the same interface as local storage
- Download files to your phone: long-press > Copy > navigate to local folder > Paste
- Upload files from phone to server: copy local file > navigate to FTP folder > Paste
- Delete files on the server (if your FTP account has write permission)
- Rename and move files on the server
- Open files directly from the server (AnExplorer streams some file types)
Troubleshooting FTP Connection Issues
"Connection refused" error:
- Verify the FTP service is actually running on the server
- Check the port number (try
21) - Make sure your router firewall isn't blocking port 21 for local connections
Timeout after entering credentials:
- FTP passive mode may be blocked. Try toggling Passive Mode in AnExplorer's connection settings
Can connect but can't see files:
- Your FTP account may be restricted to a specific directory — check the FTP user permissions on the server
Slow transfer speed:
- FTP is protocol-limited; switch to SMB for LAN transfers which is generally faster
- For external (internet) FTP, speed is limited by your upload/download bandwidth