Turn Your Android into an FTP Server

AnExplorer's built-in FTP Server lets your phone act as a file server on your local Wi-Fi network. Any computer — Windows, Mac, or Linux — can connect using a standard FTP client and browse your phone's storage, without needing a USB cable or extra apps on the computer.

This is faster and more flexible than using USB for bulk transfers. Related guide: how to transfer files from Android to PC.

How to Start the FTP Server

1. Open AnExplorer
2. Tap the ≡ menu or swipe from the left sidebar
3. Select FTP Server
4. Tap Start — the server starts and shows you a URL like ftp://192.168.1.105:2221
5. Note the IP address and port displayed

The FTP server runs only while AnExplorer is open and the screen is on (or while the app is running in background). It automatically stops when you close the app.

Connecting from a Windows PC

Option A — Windows File Explorer:

1. Open File Explorer
2. In the address bar, type: ftp://192.168.1.105:2221 (use the IP shown in AnExplorer)
3. Accept the connection — if prompted for username and password, use the credentials set in AnExplorer (default: no credentials on local network)
4. Your phone's storage appears as a folder

Option B — FileZilla (free FTP client):

1. Download FileZilla from filezilla-project.org
2. Open FileZilla > File > Site Manager > New Site
3. Protocol: FTP, Host: 192.168.1.105, Port: 2221
4. Logon type: Normal, enter username/password if configured
5. Connect — phone files appear in the right panel

Option C — Command line:

ftp 192.168.1.105 2221

Connecting from a Mac

Option A — Finder:

1. Finder > Go > Connect to Server (⌘K)
2. Type ftp://192.168.1.105:2221
3. Click Connect — Finder mounts the phone as a disk
4. Drag files to copy them

Option B — Cyberduck (free): Cyberduck is a reliable free FTP client for macOS with a clean drag-and-drop interface. Download at cyberduck.io, create a new connection using the FTP server URL, port, and credentials.

Connecting from Linux

Most Linux file managers (Nautilus, Dolphin, Thunar) support FTP browsing natively:

• Nautilus: Open Files app > Other Locations > type ftp://192.168.1.105:2221
• Dolphin: Address bar > ftp://192.168.1.105:2221
• Terminal: ftp 192.168.1.105 2221 or use lftp for full-featured FTP client

FTP Server Settings in AnExplorer

Tip: On a private home Wi-Fi network, anonymous access is generally fine. If you're on a shared network (office, apartment, hotel), always set a password.

Security Considerations

The FTP protocol itself does not encrypt connections. Anyone on the same Wi-Fi network can technically intercept the connection. For a home network this is acceptable. For shared/public Wi-Fi it is not.

For encrypted transfers, use AnExplorer's SFTP or WebDAV options instead. Both support TLS/SSH encryption.

FTP Server vs Device Connect

AnExplorer also offers Device Connect — an HTTP-based server that lets you browse and download files from any browser without any FTP client software. If the person you're sharing files with doesn't have an FTP client, Device Connect is simpler.

Port Blocking Issues

Default router settings rarely block port 2221 on LAN. If you see "connection refused":

1. Check that AnExplorer's FTP Server is actually running (visible in notification bar)
2. Try changing the port to 21 in FTP Server settings
3. Check Android's battery optimization — aggressive battery modes may kill the server
4. On some Android 12+ devices, keep the screen on or set a partial wakelock

Related Guides

• Connect to an FTP Server (as client)
• Transfer from Android to PC wirelessly
• Transfer from Android to Mac
• Device Connect — HTTP server for browsers

Install

Install AnExplorer