How to Add an FTP/SFTP Account
This guide explains how to connect an FTP, FTPS, or SFTP server to Business Central using the account setup wizard.
Prerequisites
Before starting the wizard, you need:
- The hostname or IP address of your FTP/SFTP server
- The port number (default: 21 for FTP/FTPS, 22 for SFTP)
- The authentication credentials appropriate for your server:
- Anonymous — no credentials required
- Username & Password — your FTP username and password
- SSH Private Key — a PEM-formatted private key (SFTP only)
- Client Certificate — a certificate for mutual TLS authentication (FTPS only)
- Whether the server requires Passive Mode (common for servers behind NAT or firewalls)
- The FTPSTANDARD permission set assigned to your BC user — see Permission Setups
Opening the Wizard
Choose the 
icon, enter External File Storage, and then choose the related link.
On the File Accounts page, choose Add Account. A list of available connectors is displayed. Select FTP/SFTP and choose OK.
The Set Up FTP/SFTP Account wizard opens.
Step 1: Connection
Configure the account identity and server connection:
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Name | A descriptive name for this account. Appears in the File Accounts list and storage selectors throughout Business Central. Example: FTP - Production Server |
| Protocol | The protocol to use: FTP (plain), FTPS (FTP over TLS), or SFTP (SSH). Changing the protocol automatically sets the default port and adjusts the available authentication options |
| Host Name | The hostname or IP address of the FTP/SFTP server |
| Port | The port to connect on. Defaults to 21 for FTP/FTPS and 22 for SFTP |
| Passive Mode | Enable for FTP and FTPS connections when the server is behind a NAT or firewall (most common for internet-facing FTP servers). Not applicable to SFTP |
All required fields are validated before advancing. Choose Next.
Step 2: Authentication
Configure how Business Central authenticates to your server:
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Authentication Type | How to authenticate. Options depend on the selected protocol — see Authentication Types below |
| Username | Your login username. Required for Username & Password and SSH Private Key authentication |
| Password | Your login password. Required for Username & Password authentication. The value is masked and not stored in the database |
| SSH Private Key | A PEM-formatted SSH private key. Required for SSH Private Key authentication (SFTP only). The value is masked and not stored in the database |
| Client Certificate | A PEM-formatted client certificate. Required for Client Certificate authentication (FTPS only). The value is masked and not stored in the database |
All required fields for the selected authentication type are validated before advancing. Choose Next.
Authentication Types
| Authentication Type | Supported Protocols | Required Credentials |
|---|---|---|
| Anonymous | FTP, FTPS | None |
| Username & Password | FTP, FTPS, SFTP | Username, Password |
| SSH Private Key | SFTP only | Username, SSH Private Key |
| Client Certificate | FTPS only | Client Certificate |
Step 3: Advanced & Finish
Configure optional settings and test the connection:
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Default Directory | An optional base path on the server. When set, this path is automatically prepended to all file operations for this account. For example, if the default directory is /uploads/bc, a file written to invoices/INV-001.pdf is stored at /uploads/bc/invoices/INV-001.pdf. Use the browse button to navigate and select a directory |
| Connection Status | Shows the result of the last connection test |
Choose Test Connection to verify that Business Central can reach your server using the provided credentials. The Connection Status field shows the result:
- Connection successful — the server is reachable and credentials are valid
- Connection failed: [error message] — check the error and return to earlier steps to correct the settings
Note
You can choose Finish without running the test, but it is strongly recommended to verify the connection before saving.
When the connection test passes, choose Finish. The account is created and registered in Business Central's External File Storage system.
After the Wizard
The new account appears in the File Accounts list. To open it, select the account and choose Manage Account to open the FTP Account Card.
The account is now available as a storage destination for any Business Central feature that uses External File Storage.