2.5.2.2.1.1.2. Error "Connection timed out after XX seconds of inactivity" in FileZilla

Sometimes when working with FTP, errors of the following type may occur: 

Status: Connecting to XXX.XXX.XXX.XXX:21...
Error:	CConnection timed out after 20 seconds of inactivity
Error:	Unable to connect to the server

Such errors indicate that the connection to the server could not be established. The causes of this issue may include:

  • Server unavailability.
  • Problem with the operation of one of the nodes on the route to the server.
  • Restricted FTP port (by default, port 21 is used).
  • One of the ports allocated for FTP during connection is closed.
  • Use of FTP+SSL (FTPS/implicit FTP).
  • Active transmission mode.

To diagnose the problem, it is necessary to:

  • Perform tracing. To do this, use the instruction. If there is an issue at the trace stage, you may need to contact your provider to check for problems with address availability.
  • Check the port availability. Connect to the server using telnet through port 21 (or the port used by the FTP server). If the connection fails, you should contact your network administrator or provider to check the issue with port availability.
  • Check for IP address blocking by DDoS protection. If there is an issue at the trace stage, then check whether your IP address is blocked by the DDoS protection system.
  • Check the encryption method set. If FTPS (implicit FTP) is set, change it to FTPES (explicit FTP) or regular FTP without encryption. It is recommended to use "Explicit FTP over TLS if available".
  • Check the transfer mode. Please note, when behind NAT or a Firewall with rules filtering incoming requests on potentially possible FTP ports, it is advisable to use passive mode.

In the event that the actions described above did not help in resolving the issue and identifying its causes, it is necessary to:

  • Clarify your IP address. (For example, this can be done on the website 2ip.ua).
  • Repeat the actions described above and save their results in the form of text or screenshots.
  • Contact our technical support and provide the obtained data for further verification of the issue.
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