3DS:FTP

FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is a way to transfer files wirelessly through a local network.

What You Need

On your computer:

• A working FTP client
  • Windows: Use WinSCP
    • Using FTP through File Explorer is not recommended. It is very unreliable.
  • macOS: Use Cyberduck
  • Linux: Nautilus or Dolphin, the file explorers for GNOME and KDE respectively - if not usable, use gFTP instead
  • Android 5.0 and above: Use ftpclient
  • iPhone: Use FTPManager
    • To add files to "My Files" in the app, use the default files app to move desired files to On My iPhone/FTPManager

On your 3DS:

• The latest release of ftpd (any .3dsx)
  • The normal (unlabelled) version has a GUI while the classic version is entirely text-based

Installation

If your 3DS can use the internet, choose the Universal-Updater method.

FTPD is installed as part of Finalizing Setup on 3DS Hacks Guide.

Universal-UpdaterManual

Section I - Prep Work

1. Open Universal-Updater
2. Tap the magnifying glass icon on the bottom screen, and search for ftpd
3. Press A on the ftpd entry, and choose one of the four ftpd/ftpd-classic files
4. Once it finishes downloading, exit Universal-Updater
5. Open the Homebrew Launcher
6. Open ftpd

Section I - Prep Work

Turn the 3DS off

Insert your SD card into your computer

Download one of the ftpd/ftpd-classic 3dsx files and move it into the 3ds folder on your SD card

Insert your SD card into your 3DS

Turn the 3DS on

Open the Homebrew Launcher

Open ftpd

Usage

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!

FAQ

Why not microSD Management?

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.