How to Enable Logging in FileZilla

Logging Files in FTP

If you are having problems using FileZilla, the logs may provide clues into what is causing the issue. By default logging is disabled, so it has to be turned on. In this tutorial, we will show you how to enable logging in FileZilla. You can then review the log file to help troubleshoot your FTP problem.

If you are just getting started with FileZilla, see our FileZilla Setup guide.

Enabling FileZilla Logging

  1. Open the FileZilla program.
  2. Click Edit, then Settings.
    Change your FTP settings

  3. On the left menu, click the Logging page.
    Click the Logging page

  4. The Logging page will look like this:
    Accessing the logging settings for FileZilla FTP

    Choose your options as needed. Below is a brief description of the available settings.

    SettingDescription
    Show timestamps in message logCheck this box to include the time, with the logged error.
    Log to fileYou must check this box in order to enable logging.
    FilenameEnter a name for your logs. For example: “filezilla-logs” (without the quotation marks).
    Limit size of logfileCheck this box to limit the amount of space a log file can use.
    LimitYou can enter a max file size for your log file here in Megabytes.
  5. Click the OK button to save your changes, then restart FileZilla
    Now when you use FileZilla, it will log information including your connections, errors, and use.

Congratulations, now you know how to Enable Logging in FileZilla! Next time you have an FTP issue, you can review the log for problems or errors such as “Connection Attempt Failed“.

JB
John-Paul Briones Content Writer II

John-Paul is an Electronics Engineer that spent most of his career in IT. He has been a Technical Writer for InMotion since 2013.

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2 thoughts on “How to Enable Logging in FileZilla

  1. I cannot get into Filezilla. I’ve changed the password and tried all manner of combinations to no avail.

    Please fill these gaps for me –  

    Host:

    Username:

    My site is **********.com.

    Thanks for your help, regards Kath

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