Android FTP Server Apps for You | What is an FTP [2023]

One of the underrated methods used to transfer files between android devices and PCs is the Android FTP server. Configuring the FTP server would enable blazing fast access to directories between computers. Above all, all these will happen without a wired connection, and you just have to be connected to the network and let the magic happen.

Do you need to transfer your file to your PC? You can enable the FTP Android File server and start sharing. Meanwhile, keep reading and learn how to do it.

Table of Contents

FTP

FTP is abbreviated as File Transfer Protocol. File Transfer Protocol is a set of rules embedded inside a device or a machine that you can configure according to your transfer needs.

Without any wired connection, FTP allows you to transfer gigabytes of data through the internet. You can even use Android phone as FTP server and transfer data between your smartphone and your Windows laptop.

What Is An FTP Server?

As we know about FTP and Server, combining an FTP, a protocol, means a set of rules (how a file will access and transfer remotely between two systems) with some hardware used to serve FTP protocols is known as an FTP server. An FTP server presents access to a directory and sub-directories or transfers files between two computers. Moreover, it is one of the oldest protocols we always operate. The SFTP is the secured alternate of FTP.

The Android FTP Server transfers files between the PC and the smartphone by modifying its protocols. It may be unreliable sometimes, depending on the network’s speed. But it is one of the best wireless ways to transfer data.

What Is a Server On My Phone?

In simple words, a machine that serves information to other devices is called a server. You can convert almost any appliance into a server, even our small Android smartphone.

The only difference between those big data centers and our smartphone is the ability to handle the requests. Mobile phones can handle small data like butter but fail when it comes to cans of gigabytes.

Check this out: How Much Does A Minecraft Server Cost In 2023?

Best FTP App For Android

Several apps are available in the Google Play Store to help you configure your Android FTP server. You can download them and test them to see which works for you.

Here are some of the apps we collected for you:

FTP Server – Multiple FTP Users

This FTP server app is devised by Banana Studio and is at the top of our list because of its plainness and ease of comprehending that even a novice can effortlessly position the app and transfer the file over WiFi. This Android FTP server also functions with a USB drive, which suggests you can acquire the files from your USB hooked to the phone via OTG.

Although, you can merely transmit or give access to the data of a USB to a distant friend just by using your mobile phone and WiFi. The advertisements displayed on the application are so petty and do not hurt the user experience, although you can do it from the About screen if you want to remove them altogether.

The FTP clients reinforced by this app are FileZilla, Windows Explorer, Finder on macOS, File manager on Linux, Android Clients, and browsers such as Chrome, Firefox, and Microsoft Edge.

Features of the FTP Server App

Support WiFi, Ethernet, and Tethering
Multiple FTP user support, including Anonymous user
Give controls to each user on whether to show the hidden files or not.
Can add numerous folder paths to each user from internal or externally connected storage such as USB or SD card.
Read-only or total edit access on each path
Support simultaneous file transfer
Automatically open the port on your router
Monitor the connected clients
Automatically start FTP Server on boot
Change port

FTP Server Ultimate App

It is another FTP server using FTPS/SFTP/SCP support that you can set to connect without manual activation with the FTP server. If you desire an FTP server app with some cutting-edge functionality, this can be your option as it presents multiple features.

It can add numerous dynamic DNS updaters. You can either use your custom URLs or pick from ChangeIP, DNSdynamic, DNSexit, DynDNS, easyDNS, eNom, HE.net, Joker, Namecheap, No-IP, ZoneEdit. DNSMadeEasy, DNS-O-Matic, DNSPark, and DtDNS.

Every itemized DNS updater will permit specifying the name, host title, username, password, and the choice to download in public or private IP. Start the Dynamic DNS Updater when linked to a distinct WIFI network, update on connectivity change, and start on boot. Above all, you can consider it the most FileZilla software client for Android.

Features of FTP Server Ultimate Android App

Support secured SFTP (FTP over SSH) server
SSL/TLS with your certification
Start/Stop an FTP server without manual controls when running the stored WiFi connection.
Custom rulings such as SENDLOG, STOP, CUSTOM VIBRATE
Dynamic DNS Updater u
UTF-8 support
You can access FTP Server over public IP
WiFi File Transfer
Multiple FTP Servers support
SFTP Server, you can enable public-key authentication and password authentication.

WiFi FTP Server

The WiFi FTP server is another dedicated server app for the mobile and functions on Android 5.0 and higher. Furthermore, it can view the attached SD card using folder mount feature provided. The app helps FileZilla and Windows Explorer to add FTP addresses. It also supports other Android FTP clients to transmit data in-between Android devices or Android and a PC.

WiFi FTP server does not support SFTP protocol, but they will add it soon as per the developer. The app is particular and doesn’t have any illogical stuff. When you launch the app, you will witness a switch to initiate the FTP server and tap on it to kick start the server. It offers a customized file holder track, FTPS or SSL mode, read-only entry to files to the client, and Incognito access.

Since the FTP server’s default port is 21 and because of binding bases, the unique port number you should enter is between 1024 to 2221. If you want to operate a port asunder from this scope, you must root the smartphone. Moreover, the app has disabled anonymous access by default for safety reasons, and you have to enable it manually.

Key Features of WiFi FTP Server

Custom port number option
Supports TLS/SSL (FTPS)
Anonymous access
Custom folder mount point
Configurable user-name/password
Works with WiFi and WiFi tethering mode (hotspot mode)

Finally, here are some of the widespread applications that can modify FTP for Android.

FAQ

Can Google Drive be used as FTP?

One can use Google Drive like FTP to hold and transfer data online when using a suitable device. You can even link Drive to an FTP and transfer files between devices with the proper tool.

How do I enable FTP?

Launch the Chrome app and enter 'chrome://flags' in the address bar section. Once in the area of the flag, type 'enable-FTP' in the search bar stating 'search flags.' When you see the 'Enable support for FTP URLs' option, tap where it says 'Default.' Tap the 'Enable' option.

Is the WiFi FTP server app safe?

No, plain old File Transfer Protocol (FTP) will never be a secure way to transfer files for one simple reason: it doesn't use encryption.

Does SFTP require a certificate?

As it uses SSL, it requires a certificate. SFTP was designed as an extension of SSH to provide file transfer capability, so it usually uses only the SSH port for both data and control

Conclusion

In conclusion, these three apps mentioned above are equally effective in configuring the Android FTP server. Choose one among them and further move on with your file transfer. If you’re Android System UI stops working on a regular basis, you might want to check it out.

Thank you for reading!

Andrew Lanxon

Lead Photographer, Lead Advice Editor for @CNET in Europe. Love: the outdoors, music, food, snowboarding, animals, beer, coffee, lists. Personal views.