Switch:FTP

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This is the approved revision of this page, as well as being the most recent.

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

Luckily, with custom firmware, we can use this method to transfer files wirelessly to a Switch instead of moving the SD card back and forth each time.

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 Switch:

  • The latest release of ftpd (either of the .nro files)
    • The ftpd.nro version has a GUI, while the ftpd-classic.nro version is entirely text-based
    • Our custom firmware guide has you download FTPD to your Switch by default. If you still have the files from following that guide, you may skip directly to step 5 of Section I

Instructions

Section I - Prep Work

  1. Turn the Switch off
  2. Insert your SD card into your computer
  3. Copy ftpd.nro or ftpd-classic.nro to the switch folder on your SD card
    • Create the folder if it does not exist, as it is useful for several purposes in Switch homebrew
  4. Insert your SD card into your Switch
  5. Turn the Switch on
  6. Open the Homebrew Menu
  7. 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 Switch's screen (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 Switch's screen (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 this blank
  3. Click "Login" or "Connect"
    • If prompted to enter a username or password, press ENTER to leave it blank

OOjs UI icon information-constructive.svg Your computer is now connected to your Switch via FTP!