How to rename FTP account username in Plesk

How to rename FTP account username in Plesk

Renaming an FTP account username in Plesk is not as straightforward as changing the password because Plesk, like many hosting control panels, typically does not allow direct renaming of FTP usernames once they are created. This is due to the way FTP accounts are tied to system user accounts and directory structures.

However, you can effectively achieve the same result by creating a new FTP account with the desired username and the same access level as the old one, and then removing the old account. Here’s how you can do it:

Step 1: Create a New FTP Account with the Desired Username

1. Log into Plesk:
   • Open your web browser and navigate to your Plesk login URL, usually in the format of https://yourserverip:8443 or https://yourdomain.com:8443.
   • Enter your Plesk username and password to log in.
2. Navigate to FTP Access:
   • Go to the “Websites & Domains” tab.
   • Find the domain associated with the FTP account you want to modify.
   • Click on “FTP Access”.
3. Add a New FTP Account:
   • Click on “Add FTP Account”.
   • Enter the new desired username for the FTP account.
   • Set a password for the new account.
   • Specify the home directory (it should be the same as the old FTP account if you want the same level of access).
   • Click “OK” or “Apply” to create the account.

Step 2: Transfer Any Required Data

If the old FTP account has specific configurations or files stored in its directory, make sure to transfer these to the new FTP account’s directory.

Step 3: Remove the Old FTP Account

1. Go Back to FTP Access:
   • Return to the “FTP Access” section under the same domain.
2. Delete the Old FTP Account:
   • Find the old FTP account in the list.
   • Click on the corresponding “Remove” or “Delete” option.
   • Confirm the deletion.

Step 4: Inform Relevant Users

If the FTP account is used by other people, inform them about the change and provide them with the new FTP account details.

Best Practices and Considerations

• Backup Important Data: Always backup any important data before deleting the old FTP account.
• Test the New Account: Before deleting the old account, test the new FTP account to ensure it has the correct access and that all necessary data has been transferred.
• Update Automated Scripts: If you have any automated scripts or services that use the FTP account, update them with the new account details.

Conclusion

While you can’t directly rename an FTP account in Plesk, creating a new account and transferring necessary data is a practical workaround. This method ensures minimal disruption and maintains the security and organization of your server’s FTP access. Remember to always communicate changes to all relevant users and to test the new setup thoroughly before removing the old account.

 

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