How to Use FTP on Android with AnExplorer
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