FTP server

FTP server | Generated by AI

Home PDF

To set up an FTP server on Ubuntu so you can access your files (like those .mkv files in /var/www/movies/) from your iPad or other devices, you can use vsftpd (Very Secure FTP Daemon), a lightweight and secure option. Here’s a step-by-step guide tailored to your setup:

Prerequisites

You’re on Ubuntu (e.g., 22.04 or 24.04 as of March 15, 2025).
You have sudo privileges.
Your Nginx server is at 192.168.1.27, and files are in /var/www/movies/.

Step 1: Install vsftpd

Update Package List:
```
sudo apt update
```
Install vsftpd:
```
sudo apt install vsftpd -y
```

Verify Installation:

sudo systemctl status vsftpd

It should say active (running). If not, start it:

sudo systemctl start vsftpd
sudo systemctl enable vsftpd  # Start on boot

Step 2: Configure vsftpd

The default config file is /etc/vsftpd.conf. We’ll tweak it for basic access.

Backup the Original Config:

sudo cp /etc/vsftpd.conf /etc/vsftpd.conf.bak

Edit the Config:
```
sudo nano /etc/vsftpd.conf
```
Make these changes:
- Enable local users:
```
local_enable=YES
```
- Allow file uploads (optional, if you want to upload files):
```
write_enable=YES
```
- Restrict users to their home directories (optional, for security):
```
chroot_local_user=YES
```
- Point to your movies directory (optional, see Step 3 for user setup):
  - By default, users access their home directories. We’ll adjust this later.
Save (Ctrl + O, Enter, Ctrl + X).
Restart vsftpd:
```
sudo systemctl restart vsftpd
```

Step 3: Set Up an FTP User

You can use an existing user or create a new one to access /var/www/movies/.

Option 1: Use an Existing User

If you want to use your current Ubuntu user (e.g., user):

Check Your Username:
```
whoami
```

Set Password (if needed):

sudo passwd user  # Replace "user" with your username

Link to Movies Directory:
- By default, this user’s home directory (e.g., /home/user/) is the FTP root. To access /var/www/movies/, create a symlink:
```
ln -s /var/www/movies/ /home/user/movies
```
- Or, adjust permissions (less secure):
```
sudo chown -R user:user /var/www/movies
```

Option 2: Create a Dedicated FTP User

For better security:

Add User:
```
sudo adduser ftpuser
```
- Follow prompts to set a password and details.

Set Home Directory to Movies:

sudo usermod -d /var/www/movies ftpuser
sudo chown -R ftpuser:ftpuser /var/www/movies

Restrict Access (if chroot_local_user=YES):
- Ensure /var/www/movies is writable by ftpuser:
```
sudo chmod -R 755 /var/www/movies
```

Step 4: Open Firewall Ports

FTP uses ports 20 and 21 by default.

Allow FTP in UFW:

sudo ufw allow 21/tcp
sudo ufw allow 20/tcp
sudo ufw status

Should show 20/tcp ALLOW and 21/tcp ALLOW.

Restart vsftpd:
```
sudo systemctl restart vsftpd
```

Step 5: Test FTP from iPad

You’ll need an FTP client app on your iPad.

Recommended iPad App: FileZilla or FE File Explorer

FileZilla (Free):
1. Install from the App Store (search “FileZilla”).
2. Open FileZilla.
3. Tap New Site or Connect.
4. Enter:
  - Host: 192.168.1.27
  - Username: ftpuser (or your username)
  - Password: [your password]
  - Port: 21 (default)
5. Tap Connect.
FE File Explorer (Free with in-app purchases):
1. Install from the App Store.
2. Tap + > FTP.
3. Enter the same details as above.
4. Connect.

Streaming from FTP

Most FTP apps let you browse files. To stream .mkv files:
- Tap the .mkv file in the app.
- If it doesn’t play directly, download a streaming app like VLC for Mobile (see previous response), then use its Network Stream option with an FTP URL:
```
ftp://ftpuser:password@192.168.1.27/yourfile.mkv
```

Step 6: Verify Access

From your iPad, connect to 192.168.1.27 via the FTP app.
You should see /var/www/movies/ contents (e.g., yourfile.mkv).
Tap to preview or stream (depending on the app).

Troubleshooting

Connection Refused: Check sudo ufw status and ensure ports 20/21 are open. Verify vsftpd is running (sudo systemctl status vsftpd).
Permission Denied: Confirm the user owns or can read /var/www/movies/ (ls -l /var/www/movies/).
404 or No Files: Ensure the directory path matches the user’s home or symlink setup.

Final Notes

Security: For a local network, this setup is fine. For external access, consider FTPS (encrypted FTP) by enabling SSL in vsftpd.conf.
Nginx vs. FTP: You’re already streaming via HTTP with Nginx—FTP adds file management. Use VLC on your iPad for HTTP streaming if FTP setup feels redundant.

Your iPad now has FTP “magic” to access your Ubuntu server’s files! Let me know if you hit any issues.

Back 2025.03.16 Donate