Uploading a website to a hosting server is one of the most important steps in launching a website. Whether you have developed your website in PHP, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Laravel, or another framework, Bluehost provides multiple methods for transferring website files to its hosting servers.

The most reliable and professional method is FTP (File Transfer Protocol). FTP allows you to upload, download, edit, and manage website files directly from your computer.

This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about uploading your website to Bluehost using FTP, including configuration, FileZilla setup, troubleshooting, security practices, and common mistakes.

The steps are based on Bluehost's current FTP documentation and recommendations.

What is FTP?

FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is a networking protocol used to transfer files between your computer and your web hosting server.

Using FTP you can:

• Upload website files
• Download backups
• Edit website contents
• Replace old files
• Delete unwanted files
• Upload themes and plugins
• Manage multiple websites

Most web developers prefer FTP because it is faster and more reliable than browser-based file managers.

Why Use FTP Instead of File Manager?

Advantages include:

• Faster uploads
• Resume interrupted transfers
• Upload thousands of files simultaneously
• Better folder management
• Supports drag-and-drop
• Easier website migration
• Ideal for large websites

What You Need Before Uploading

Prepare the following:

• Bluehost Hosting Account
• Domain Name
• FTP Username
• FTP Password
• FTP Hostname
• FTP Client Software (FileZilla recommended)
• Website Files

Bluehost FTP Information

Bluehost requires the following information:

Normally, the website files are uploaded inside:

public_html

This folder acts as the website root directory.

Step 1: Find Your FTP Credentials

Log in to Bluehost.

Navigate to:

Websites

↓

Manage Site

↓

Files & Access

↓

FTP

You can now see:

• FTP Username
• FTP Host
• Port
• Configuration Options

Bluehost also allows downloading configuration files for supported FTP clients.

Step 2: Install FileZilla

Download FileZilla Client.

Install it on your computer.

After installation:

Open FileZilla

Step 3: Create a New FTP Connection

Open:

File

↓

Site Manager

↓

New Site

Enter:

Host

yourdomain.com

or

Server IP

Port

21

Protocol

FTP

Encryption

Use Plain FTP

Logon Type

Ask for Password

Username

FTP Username

Password

FTP Password

Bluehost recommends limiting simultaneous connections (for example, 8) for stable transfers.

Step 4: Connect to Bluehost

Click

Connect

If prompted,

Enter your FTP password.

After successful connection:

Left side:

Local Computer

Right side:

Bluehost Server

Step 5: Locate public_html

Inside the server you'll find folders such as:

mail
logs
public_html
tmp

Open

public_html

This is where your website files belong.

Step 6: Upload Website Files

On the left:

Select your website folder.

On the right:

Open

public_html

Now simply drag your files from left to right.

FileZilla will begin uploading.

Step 7: Verify Upload

After upload finishes:

Visit

https://yourdomain.com

If your homepage appears,

Congratulations!

Your website is live.

Website Folder Structure

Example

public_html

│

├── index.php

├── index.html

├── css

├── js

├── images

├── uploads

├── includes

└── .htaccess

Uploading PHP Websites

For PHP websites upload:

• PHP Files
• Images
• CSS
• JavaScript
• Database Backup

Remember:

FTP uploads files only.

The MySQL database must be imported separately using phpMyAdmin or another database tool.

Uploading WordPress Manually

Upload:

wp-admin

wp-content

wp-includes

index.php

wp-config.php

Then import your database.

Update:

Site URL

Database Details

if necessary.

Uploading HTML Websites

Simply upload:

index.html

along with:

• CSS
• Images
• JavaScript

No database is required.

Uploading Large Websites

FTP is ideal when:

• Website size exceeds 1 GB
• Thousands of files exist
• Large image galleries
• E-commerce websites

It is much more reliable than browser uploads.

Updating Existing Website

Only upload changed files.

Avoid deleting the whole website unless required.

FileZilla highlights changed files, making updates easier.

Downloading Website Backup

FTP can also download:

Entire website

or

Specific folders.

Always create backups before major updates.

Common FTP Errors

Connection Refused

Possible reasons:

• Wrong Host
• Wrong Port
• Firewall
• Incorrect Username

Login Failed

Check:

• FTP Username
• Password
• FTP Account Status

Permission Denied

Incorrect folder permissions.

Typical permissions:

Folders

755

Files

644

Website Not Showing

Possible causes:

• Files uploaded outside public_html
• Missing index.php or index.html
• Incorrect DNS configuration

Security Best Practices

Always:

✔ Use strong passwords

✔ Create separate FTP accounts for developers

✔ Remove unused FTP accounts

✔ Keep website backups

✔ Use secure transfer methods where possible

Bluehost recommends using SFTP (Secure FTP) when available because it encrypts data during transmission. On shared hosting, SFTP generally requires SSH access and is available for the main account username.

FileZilla Tips

Useful shortcuts:

• Drag & Drop Upload
• Right-click Upload
• Queue Management
• Resume Failed Uploads
• Directory Comparison
• Bookmark Frequently Used Sites

FTP vs File Manager

Recommended FTP Clients

Popular FTP software includes:

• FileZilla
• Cyberduck
• CoreFTP
• SmartFTP
• CuteFTP

Bluehost specifically recommends FileZilla for most users.

Best Practices

• Keep local backups.
• Verify uploads after completion.
• Upload only changed files during updates.
• Use separate FTP accounts for team members.
• Protect FTP credentials.
• Prefer SFTP over standard FTP when available.
• Regularly remove unused website files.

Conclusion

FTP remains one of the fastest, safest, and most efficient methods for uploading and managing websites on Bluehost hosting. With tools like FileZilla and Bluehost's built-in FTP management, developers can easily transfer files, maintain websites, deploy updates, and create backups.

For improved security, consider using SFTP when supported by your hosting plan, and always upload your website to the correct document root (public_html for the primary site). Following these best practices ensures a smooth and reliable website deployment process.