How to Transfer Files via ES File Explorer over Wi-Fi: A Complete Guide with FTP Setup

Transfer files via Wi-Fi through ES File Explorer remains one of the most convenient ways to exchange data between Android-devices, computers and even Smart TVUnlike wired connections or cloud services, this method requires no cables, subscriptions, or storage limits. However, after updates ES File Explorer Between 2023 and 2026, the app's interface and functionality changed, causing confusion for many users.

In this article you will find current instructions by setting up FTP servers V ES File Explorer, step by step steps to transfer files to PC, Mac, another smartphone or TV, as well as solutions to errors like "Unable to connect to the server" or "FTP server is not responding"We will also compare ES File Explorer with alternatives like Solid Explorer or FX File Explorerso you can choose the best tool for your needs.

What is an FTP server in ES File Explorer and how does it work?

FTP server (File Transfer Protocol) in ES File Explorer - is a built-in feature that temporarily turns your smartphone or tablet into network storage, accessible via a local network. Other devices (PCs, laptops, TVs) can connect to it via Wi-Fi and download/upload files without using cables or clouds.

When activating the FTP server ES File Explorer generates local IP address (For example, ftp://192.168.1.100:3721), which must be entered into the address bar Windows Explorer, Finder on Mac or another file manager. All transferred data remains within your local network, what does the method do? more secure than uploading to the cloud (if, of course, your Wi-Fi is password protected).

• 📱 Server device: Smartphone/tablet with ES File Explorer and FTP enabled.
• 💻 Client device: PC, another smartphone or TV connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
• 🔗 Protocol: FTP (default port is 3721, but may change).
• 🔒 Security: No encryption (for sensitive data use SFTP or alternatives).

It is important to understand that the FTP server is ES File Explorer does not work via mobile internet (3G/4G/5G) — Wi-Fi only. It also automatically turns off when you lock the screen or switch to another app, unless configured. Run in the background.

Step-by-step setup of an FTP server in ES File Explorer

Before you begin, make sure that:

• ✅ Both devices are connected to one Wi-Fi network (for example, to a router TP-Link or Keenetic).
• ✅ The smartphone is installed the latest version of ES File Explorer (you can download it in Google Play or from the official website).
• ✅ The client device (PC, laptop) has any file manager (Windows Explorer, Total Commander, Finder for Mac).

Now follow the instructions:

1. Open ES File Explorer and go to the section Network → FTP (in newer versions the path may look like this Menu → Network Access → FTP).
2. Activate the FTP serverby clicking on the button "Launch" or "Start"The application will automatically generate an address like ftp://192.168.x.x:3721.
3. Configure connection settings (optional):
   • 🔄 Port: By default 3721, but can be changed to any free one (for example, 2121).
   • 🔐 Anonymous access: Disable if you want to set login/password.
   • 📂 Root folder: Select the directory to be shared (default is /sdcard/).

If after starting the server you see a message Waiting for connection, but other devices cannot connect, check:

• 🔌 Firewall/antivirus On a PC, it can block FTP connections.
• 📡 Router settings - some models (for example, ASUS RT-AX88U) block local FTP connections by default.
• 🔄 IP address - if it starts with 169.254, which means the device is not connected to Wi-Fi.

How to connect to an FTP server from a PC (Windows 10/11) or Mac

After launching the FTP server on your smartphone, all that's left to do is connect to it from your computer. Let's look at the process for Windows And macOS.

For Windows 10/11:

1. Open Conductor (Win + E).
2. In the address bar, enter the FTP address you copied earlier (for example, ftp://192.168.1.105:3721) and press Enter.
3. If login/password is requested:
   • For anonymous access: leave fields blank or enter anonymous.
   • If you have configured authorization: enter the data specified in ES File Explorer.

For macOS (Finder):

1. Open Finder and select from the menu Go → Connect to server (Cmd + K).
2. In the field Server address enter ftp://192.168.xx:port (For example, ftp://192.168.1.105:3721).
3. Click "Connect", enter your login/password if necessary.
4. The smartphone files will be displayed in the window. Finder as a network drive.

The transfer speed depends on Wi-Fi standard (For example, 802.11ac faster 802.11n) and network congestion. On average, Wi-Fi 5 (5 GHz) files are transferred at a speed of 20–50 MB/s, and by Wi-Fi 6 — to 80–100 MB/s.

Transfer files between two Android devices via Wi-Fi

If you need to transfer files from one smartphone to another (for example, from Samsung Galaxy on Xiaomi Redmi), ES File Explorer is also suitable for this task. The main condition is that both devices must be connected to one Wi-Fi network.

Instructions:

1. On server device (from which you will send files) start the FTP server in ES File Explorer, as described above.
2. On client device (where you will receive files) install any FTP client, for example:
   • FX File Explorer (there is a built-in FTP manager).
   • AndFTP (specialized application).
   • Even the standard one ES File Explorer (chapter Network → FTP → New Connection).

The advantage of this method over Bluetooth or NFC — high speed (to 10–15 MB/s even on old routers) and no file size restrictions. For example, videos in 4K or an archive of photographs weighing 10 GB will be transmitted within a few minutes.

Common errors and their solutions

When transferring files via ES File Explorer Users often encounter errors. Here are the most common ones and how to fix them:

• 🚫 "Unable to connect to the server":
  • Check that FTP server is running on a smartphone (in ES File Explorer the green indicator should be on).
  • Make sure that The IP address is entered correctly. (without typos and extra characters).
  • Restart router — sometimes the DHCP server issues incorrect IP addresses.
• 🔌 "The network path was not found" (Windows):
  • Turn it off Windows Firewall temporarily or add an exception for FTP.
  • Try connecting via FileZilla - it provides more detailed error logs.
• 📵 "The FTP server has gone down.":
  • In the settings ES File Explorer turn on the option Run in the background.
  • Add the app to battery optimization exceptions (in Android settings).
• 🔒 "Access Denied" (403 Forbidden):
  • Check that in the FTP server settings access to the folder is allowed.
  • If you use a login/password, make sure they are entered correctly.

If the problem is not solved, try alternative applications:

• 📁 Solid Explorer - supports FTP, SFTP and WebDAV, more stable.
• 🔗 FX File Explorer - simple interface and reliable connection.
• 🌐 MiXplorer — free and without unnecessary fluff, but requires manual installation.

Security when transferring files via FTP

FTP protocol V ES File Explorer does not encrypt data, so transferred files (including logins/passwords) can be intercepted if an intruder connects to your network. This is especially true for public Wi-Fi (in cafes, airports, hotels).

To minimize risks:

• 🔐 Use FTP only on your home network with a strong password on the router.
• 🔄 Disconnect the server after transfer - Do not leave it running unless necessary.
• 📂 Don't share all folders — select only those directories that are needed for exchange.
• 🛡️ For sensitive data use alternatives:
  • SFTP/SSH (for example, through Termux + OpenSSH).
  • WebDAV with HTTPS (applications like Nextcloud).
  • Local network via SMB (V ES File Explorer there is support Samba).

If you need to transfer confidential files (documents, photographs), it is better to use encrypted archives (For example, ZIP with password or 7z with AES-256) or specialized applications like Resilio Sync (with encryption) TLS).

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Alternatives to ES File Explorer for Transferring Files over Wi-Fi

If ES File Explorer works unstable or you need additional features (for example, encryption or QR code transfer), consider alternative applications:

For maximum speed and safety, we recommend:

• 🏠 Home network: Solid Explorer + SMB (built-in support in Windows).
• 🔒 Transfer of confidential data: Termux + OpenSSH (SFTP).
• 📱 Exchange between Android devices: MiXplorer or FX File Explorer.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about transferring files via ES Explorer

If your question is not covered in the FAQ, check official documentation ES File Explorer or contact the developer's support. For complex tasks (for example, setting up SFTP (or automatic backup) it is better to use specialized tools.