How to Transfer Files between Windows, Linux & Phone using FTP - Complete Tutorial 2026
In this tutorial, I'll walk you through every step to transfer files between Windows, Linux, and a smartphone using FTP – all over your local network. No cloud, no USB cables.
📁 Windows acts as the FTP server (IIS).
🐧 Linux and 📱 mobile connect as clients.
🔢 Steps covered:
1. Enable IIS and FTP server on Windows
2. Create a shared folder and add your files
3. Set Security (NTFS) permissions – ignore the Sharing tab (add any Windows user)
4. Create FTP site – supports single user, multiple users (comma-separated), or user groups
5. Test FTP server locally (ftp://localhost)
6. Configure Windows Firewall (allow FTP Server app)
7. Find Windows IP address
8. Connect from Linux (ping → command line FTP → GUI file manager)
9. Connect from mobile (CX File Explorer: Network → + → Remote → FTP)
⏱️ Timestamps:
0:00 – Intro
0:20 – Step 1: Enable IIS and FTP server
1:08 – Step 2: Create a shared folder and add your files
1:32 – Step 3: Set folder permissions (Security tab only)
2:55 – Step 4: Create FTP site in IIS
4:08 – Step 5: Test FTP server locally (ftp://localhost)
5:12 – Step 6: Configure Windows Firewall
5:40 – Step 7: Find Windows IP address
5:59 – Step 8: Connect from Linux (ping → CLI → GUI)
7:49 – Step 9: Connect from mobile
9:05 – Common problems & fixes
10:23 – Security note
10:45 – Outro
🖥️ Linux tip: Once connected via GUI, the FTP folder is mounted on your desktop and behaves just like a local folder.
📱 Android tip: In CX File Explorer, go to Network, tap the + icon, select Remote, then choose FTP. Select FTP protocol (not FTPS), port 21, then enter your Windows username and password.
👥 Multiple users: Add each user to the folder's Security tab AND to IIS Authorization (comma-separated).
📄 Adding files: Simply copy any files you want to share into the folder – photos, documents, videos, etc.
✅ Systematic Linux testing:
ping → confirms network connectivity
ftp command → confirms FTP service and authentication
GUI file manager → for actual file transfers (mounted folder)
⚠️ Security: Plain FTP is not encrypted. Use only on trusted home networks. For public Wi‑Fi or internet, use SFTP or FTPS instead.
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