FTP setup, to connect outside, no work after following the WD guide

FTP Setup Not Working Outside Local Network? Here’s How to Fix WD My Cloud FTP Access

Many WD My Cloud users set up FTP access following Western Digital's official guide—only to find that the connection fails when trying to access FTP remotely from outside their local network. If you're in the same boat, this guide outlines practical reasons and proven fixes to help you resolve the problem and securely access your WD device over FTP from anywhere.

Common Reasons Why FTP Fails Externally

Even if everything works within the local network, FTP can fail externally due to the following common reasons:

Port Forwarding Not Properly Configured

ISP Blocking FTP Ports (21, 20)

Router Firewall Restrictions

Passive Mode Ports Not Defined

Dynamic IP or DNS Issues

Let’s walk through how to troubleshoot each step effectively.

Step-by-Step Fixes for FTP Access Outside Your Network

1. Enable FTP on WD Dashboard

First, confirm that FTP is enabled:

Go to your WD My Cloud dashboard.

Navigate to Settings > Network > FTP Access.

Ensure it’s turned ON.

2. Configure Port Forwarding on Your Router

You need to forward FTP ports from your router to your WD device:

Log into your router’s admin panel.

Forward port 21 (FTP control port) to the internal IP of your WD My Cloud device.

Also forward passive port range, such as 50000-51000, and define this range in the FTP server settings (if available).

Restart the router for changes to apply.

3. Check Your ISP Restrictions

Some ISPs block port 21 by default. Test this by temporarily changing the FTP port to 2121 in both the router and WD settings. Then connect using:

4. Use a Static IP or Dynamic DNS

If your home IP changes frequently, set up Dynamic DNS (DDNS) on your router (like No-IP or DuckDNS). This lets you connect using a domain name rather than constantly checking your public IP.

5. Update Windows or FTP Client Settings

If you’re using FileZilla or another FTP client, ensure it’s set to Passive Mode. Also:

Use the external IP or DDNS hostname.

Set encryption to “Only use plain FTP” (if the device doesn't support FTPS).

6. Firewall and Antivirus Exceptions

Local firewall or antivirus software may block outgoing FTP. Create rules to allow outbound FTP connections, and temporarily disable antivirus to test.

Testing FTP Access

From an external location (mobile hotspot, different Wi-Fi):

Open FileZilla.

Port: 21 (or 2121 if changed).

Username/Password: as configured on the WD device.

If successful, you’ll see your shared folders. If not, review router settings again or use FTP test sites (like ftptest.net).

Conclusion

Setting up FTP access for WD My Cloud to work outside your home network can be tricky, especially with port forwarding, firewalls, and ISP limitations. However, with the right configuration, including port changes and DDNS, secure and reliable remote FTP access is entirely possible. Always monitor external connections to protect your data and consider using SFTP or VPN for enhanced security.