How to Install FileZilla on Ubuntu Linux

FileZilla is an open-source FTP client for transferring files between your local machine and remote servers using FTP, SFTP, or FTPS protocols. Common use cases include uploading website files to a web host, backing up server data locally, and managing files on a remote VPS via SSH/SFTP. By the end of this guide, you will have FileZilla installed and ready to connect to remote servers, with the site manager configured for quick access to your frequent connections.

This guide covers FileZilla Client, the graphical application for transferring files. FileZilla Server, which hosts FTP connections for others to connect to, is a separate package not covered here.

Choose Your FileZilla Installation Method

Ubuntu offers multiple ways to install FileZilla. The default repository provides a stable but older version, while the XtraDeb PPA and Flatpak deliver more recent releases. Choose based on whether you prioritize stability or newer features.

Method	Channel	Stability	Best For
APT (Default Repository)	Official Ubuntu repos	Stable	Users who prefer distro-tested packages
XtraDeb PPA	Third-party PPA	Latest stable	Users on Ubuntu 22.04/24.04 who want newer releases
Flatpak	Flathub	Latest stable	Users who want sandboxed apps with automatic updates

For most users, the default APT repository provides a reliable FileZilla installation with minimal setup. Choose the XtraDeb PPA if you need specific features from recent releases, or Flatpak if you prefer application sandboxing.

Update Ubuntu Before FileZilla Installation

Before installing FileZilla on Ubuntu, updating your Ubuntu system is essential. This ensures that all existing packages are up-to-date and helps avoid potential conflicts during installation. To update your system, execute the following command:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade 

Method 1 Install FileZilla via APT

APT installation provides two options: the stable version from Ubuntu’s repository or a newer version from the XtraDeb PPA.

Option 1: Install FileZilla with Ubuntu’s Repository

The first method involves installing FileZilla directly from the Ubuntu default repository. This approach is the easiest but may not provide the most recent version of FileZilla. The default repository may lag behind the latest releases, which could include new features and bug fixes.

To install FileZilla from the Ubuntu repository, execute the following command:

sudo apt install filezilla

Verify the installation by checking the version:

filezilla --version

FileZilla 3.66.5, compiled on 2024-04-22

Option 2: Install FileZilla with XtraDeb PPA

If you prefer the latest version of FileZilla, consider using a PPA. This method installs FileZilla from the XtraDeb PPA, which provides up-to-date software versions.

The XtraDeb PPA currently supports Ubuntu 22.04 LTS and 24.04 LTS. Users on older Ubuntu releases should use the default repository or Flatpak method instead.

First, install the necessary packages for adding a PPA to your system:

sudo apt install software-properties-common apt-transport-https -y

Next, import the “xtradeb packaging” team PPA by running the following command:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:xtradeb/apps -y

After adding the PPA to your system, update the package list to reflect the newly imported PPA:

sudo apt update

Finally, install FileZilla using the following command:

sudo apt install filezilla -y

Verify the installation by checking the version:

filezilla --version

FileZilla 3.69.5, compiled on 2025-11-10

Method 2: Install FileZilla via Flatpak and Flathub

Flatpak installs FileZilla in a sandboxed environment, isolated from your system packages. This method works across all Ubuntu versions and provides automatic updates independent of your system’s package manager.

Note: If your system does not have Flatpak installed, please refer to our guide on How to Install Flatpak on Ubuntu for step-by-step instructions on installing the most recent supported version of Flatpak.

Enable Flathub For FileZilla

Before installing FileZilla through Flatpak, you must enable the Flathub repository, a primary source for Flatpak applications. To enable Flathub, execute the following command in your terminal:

sudo flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo

This command adds the Flathub repository to your Flatpak configuration, ensuring you have access to various applications, including FileZilla.

Install FileZilla via Flatpak Command

With Flathub enabled, you can now install FileZilla using the flatpak install command. Run the following command in your terminal:

flatpak install flathub org.filezillaproject.Filezilla -y

This command installs FileZilla from the Flathub repository, providing you with the latest version of the application.

Verify the installation by checking the version:

flatpak run org.filezillaproject.Filezilla --version

FileZilla 3.69.5, compiled on 2025-11-10

Launch FileZilla

After installation, launch FileZilla from the terminal or the applications menu.

Launch FileZilla from Terminal

One way to launch FileZilla is through the terminal. Launching through the terminal allows you to view additional information, such as error messages, that may be useful in debugging.

To launch FileZilla through the terminal, enter the following command in your terminal window:

filezilla

Flatpak users can launch FileZilla through the terminal by entering the following command:

flatpak run org.filezillaproject.Filezilla

Launch FileZilla from Applications Menu

For desktop users, launch FileZilla through the application launcher:

To do this, follow the steps below:

1. Click on the “Activities” button in the top-left corner of your desktop.
2. Type “FileZilla” in the search bar.
3. Click on the “FileZilla” icon to launch the application.

Manage FileZilla

Update FileZilla

Keep FileZilla updated to receive security patches and new features. The update command depends on your installation method.

Update FileZilla with APT

To check for updates and upgrade your FileZilla installation using the APT package manager, execute the following command in your terminal:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

Update FileZilla with Flatpak

If you installed FileZilla using Flatpak, update it with:

flatpak update

Remove FileZilla

If you no longer need FileZilla, uninstall it using the appropriate command for your installation method.

Remove FileZilla with APT

Remove FileZilla along with its unused dependencies:

sudo apt remove --autoremove filezilla

If you installed FileZilla using the Launchpad PPA and do not plan to reinstall the software, remove the PPA:

sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:xtradeb/apps -y

To remove saved Site Manager entries, bookmarks, and transfer history, delete the FileZilla configuration directory:

This permanently deletes saved server passwords, site entries, and transfer queue history. Export your Site Manager entries from File → Export before proceeding if you want to keep them.

rm -rf ~/.config/filezilla

Remove FileZilla with Flatpak

Remove FileZilla and its sandboxed data (including Site Manager entries and settings):

The --delete-data flag removes all Flatpak-specific settings and saved passwords. Export your Site Manager entries first if needed.

flatpak remove --delete-data org.filezillaproject.Filezilla -y

Troubleshoot FileZilla Connection Issues

If FileZilla fails to connect to a remote server, check these common issues:

Connection Timed Out or Refused

This error typically indicates a firewall blocking the connection or the server not running. First, verify your firewall allows outbound connections on the required ports:

• FTP: Port 21 (control) and passive mode ports (typically 49152-65535)
• SFTP: Port 22 (same as SSH)
• FTPS: Port 990 (implicit) or 21 (explicit)

If you use UFW firewall, allow outbound traffic (enabled by default) or check for restrictive rules:

sudo ufw status verbose

Status: active
Default: deny (incoming), allow (outgoing), disabled (routed)

The default policy allow (outgoing) permits FileZilla’s connections. If your policy shows deny (outgoing), you need to add explicit rules for the ports listed above.

Passive Mode Failures

FTP uses passive mode by default, where the server tells the client which port to connect to for data transfers. If connections drop during file listings or transfers, the server’s passive port range may be blocked.

In FileZilla, navigate to Edit → Settings → Connection → FTP and try switching between passive and active mode. Active mode requires your firewall to allow inbound connections, which may not work behind NAT.

SFTP Authentication Failures

For SFTP connections using SSH keys, ensure FileZilla can access your private key:

1. Go to Edit → Settings → Connection → SFTP
2. Click Add key file and select your private key (usually ~/.ssh/id_rsa or ~/.ssh/id_ed25519)
3. FileZilla will convert PuTTY-format keys (.ppk) automatically if needed

Verify your SSH key works independently before troubleshooting FileZilla:

ssh -i ~/.ssh/id_rsa user@server.example.com

If SSH connects successfully, the issue is FileZilla-specific. If SSH fails with a permission denied error, regenerate your SSH keys or verify the public key is in the server’s ~/.ssh/authorized_keys file.

Quick Connect to a Remote Server

FileZilla’s Quickconnect bar at the top of the window provides fast access to servers without saving credentials. Enter your connection details:

• Host: Server address (e.g., sftp://server.example.com or ftp://files.example.com)
• Username: Your login username
• Password: Your password (leave blank for SSH key authentication)
• Port: 22 for SFTP, 21 for FTP (leave blank for default)

For SFTP connections, prefix the host with sftp:// to ensure FileZilla uses the correct protocol. Click Quickconnect to establish the session.

To save frequently used connections, open Site Manager from File → Site Manager to create named entries with stored credentials and connection settings.

Conclusion

You now have FileZilla installed and configured for file transfers via FTP, SFTP, or FTPS. The Site Manager stores your connection profiles, and the transfer queue handles large batches efficiently. For secure transfers, prefer SFTP which encrypts both authentication and data over your existing SSH connection. Consider setting up SSH key authentication to avoid password prompts and enable automated transfers.