3DS:FTP

FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is a way to transfer files wirelessly through a local network. While New 3DS models can do a similar method through microSD Management, said method has a number of downsides:

• microSD Management does not exist on Old 3DS models.
• microSD Management uses a protocol (SMBv1) that is only supported by Windows.
  • Additionally, SMBv1 is heavily outdated, now a major security risk, and disabled by default on modern installations of Windows.
• microSD Management can cause random file corruption in use.

Luckily, with custom firmware, we can instead use FTP to transfer files wirelessly on both New 3DS and Old 3DS.

What You Need

On your computer:

• A working FTP client
  • Windows: Use WinSCP
  • macOS: Use Cyberduck
  • Linux: Nautilus or Dolphin, the file explorers for GNOME and KDE respectively - if not usable, use gFTP instead

On your 3DS:

• The latest release of ftpd (ftpd.cia)
  • The normal (unlabelled) version has a GUI while the classic version is entirely text-based
  • Download the .3dsx file and place it in the 3ds folder if you want to run it from Homebrew Launcher

Instructions

Section I - Prep Work

1. Insert your SD card into your computer
2. Copy ftpd.cia to the cias folder on your SD card
   • Create the folder if it does not exist, as it is useful for organization purposes
3. Insert your SD card into your 3DS
4. Open FBI
5. Navigate to SD -> cias
6. Press (A) while ftpd.cia is selected, then select Install and delete CIA(s)
7. Allow FBI to install the CIA
8. Exit FBI
9. Ensure your 3DS is connected to the same Internet connection as your computer
10. Open ftpd

Section II - FTP Client

1. If you haven't already, install the FTP client for your operating system
2. Open the FTP client and fill in the information as follows:
   • File protocol: FTP (not SFTP)
   • Host name/IP address: The IP address displayed on the top screen of the 3DS (e.g. 192.168.0.67)
     • This is a local IP address, so you don't need to censor it if you need assistance
   • Port number: The number after the colon in the IP address displayed on the top screen of the 3DS (usually 5000)
     • If you don't see this option, instead type (ip):(port) into the host name/IP address box, e.g. 192.168.0.67:5000
   • Username/password: If you see a checkbox for "Anonymous login", then enable it; otherwise, just leave it blank
3. Click "Login" or "Connect"
   • If prompted to enter a username or password, press ENTER to leave it blank

Your computer is now connected to your 3DS via FTP!