How to Pause and Resume Transfers in FileZilla

Transferring files via FTP can be a routine part of a web developer’s or server administrator’s day-to-day workflow. FileZilla, known for its reliability and ease of use, serves as one of the most popular FTP clients available. But what happens when a file transfer needs to be paused due to bandwidth limitations, network interruptions, or the need to shift priorities? Understanding how to pause and resume transfers in FileZilla can save time, preserve bandwidth, and prevent file corruption.

TL;DR:

If you’re using FileZilla to transfer large files or folders, you can pause and resume transfers using the built-in Transfer Queue feature. While FileZilla doesn’t have a dedicated “Pause” button, you can effectively pause by stopping the queue and then resuming it later. This allows you to manage bandwidth usage and prioritize other tasks without losing progress. Be sure to manually resume the transfers when you’re ready to continue.

Understanding FileZilla’s Transfer Queue

The Transfer Queue in FileZilla is a powerful feature that lists all active, queued, failed, and successful file transfers. It’s displayed by default at the bottom part of the FileZilla interface. This queue is where all the action happens—every file or folder you upload or download goes through it.

Each task in the queue can be actively managed, which includes stopping the queue (effectively pausing the process) and then resuming at a later time. However, understanding the difference between stopping the Transfer Queue and canceling individual transfers is critical. While stopping the queue allows you to resume progress later, canceling actually removes the task entirely from the list, requiring a complete restart of that transfer.

Steps to Pause Transfers in FileZilla

FileZilla doesn’t have a direct “Pause” button for individual files, but you can halt the entire queue. This is often more effective when handling multiple or larger files.

1. Start Your Transfers: Begin by adding files to the queue through drag-and-drop or right-clicking and selecting Upload or Download.
2. Monitor the Queue: Look to the bottom panel of FileZilla to see the progress of each file in the Queued Files tab.
3. Stop the Queue: To pause the transfer, click on the red square ‘Stop’ button located in the toolbar above the queue panel. This stops any files currently being transferred and prevents new ones from starting.

This stops all ongoing transfers without deleting them. You can safely leave FileZilla running or even close it. FileZilla will remember where it left off when reopened.

How to Resume Transfers

Resuming transfers is just as simple. If you previously stopped the queue, follow these steps to pick up where you left off:

1. Open FileZilla (if it’s not already open).
2. Make sure you are reconnected to the correct server/location.
3. Click the green ‘Start’ arrow button in the queue toolbar. This resumes the transfer queue from where it was stopped.

FileZilla checks the progress of existing files and will only re-download or re-upload incomplete parts, depending on whether you have resume support enabled on the server side. This saves you from fully restarting large transfers.

Tips for Managing Transfers More Effectively

There are a few key best practices to follow when dealing with large or delicate FTP transfers:

• Use Resume-Supported Servers: Not all servers support resume functionality. Check your hosting provider’s documentation to ensure they allow paused or resumed transfers.
• Avoid Canceling Transfers: If you cancel a file, it vanishes from the queue and has to be re-added. Always stop the queue instead if you plan to return to it.
• Limit Simultaneous Transfers: Go to Edit > Settings > Transfers, and set simultaneous file transfers to a lower number to prevent network congestion during peak usage hours.

What Happens If FileZilla Closes Mid-Transfer?

If FileZilla crashes, your system reboots, or you intentionally shut down the application mid-transfer, don’t worry—your queue is most likely preserved. Here’s what to do:

1. Reopen FileZilla.
2. Reconnect to the site using the Site Manager.
3. View the Queued Files panel to see which files are still pending.
4. Click the green arrow to resume transfers.

FileZilla typically warns you upon exit if there are active transfers. Opting to not remove existing transfers ensures that your queue remains intact.

Bonus: Using FileZilla’s Remote File Search to Resume Partially Completed Transfers

If you’re unsure about which parts of a transfer were completed—especially with multi-gigabyte folders—FileZilla’s Remote File Search can help. Here’s how:

1. Connect to your FTP server.
2. Go to Server > Search Remote Files.
3. Search for the filename or file type to check whether a particular file has already been uploaded or partially transferred.
4. Use this information to determine if resending is necessary.

This is particularly useful after power outages or when troubleshooting incomplete uploads.

Things to Keep in Mind

• Pausing Isn’t Instant: Sometimes, large files already in progress may finish transferring before the queue halts because FileZilla completes transfers mid-transfer session.
• Temporary Files: FileZilla may leave temporary files (.filepart) on the server when a transfer is paused or interrupted. These will usually be resumed and renamed properly upon completion.
• Bandwidth Controls: Use Edit > Settings > Transfers > Speed Limits to adjust your upload/download speeds to avoid the need for pausing.

Common Scenarios Where Pausing Helps

There are many real-world use cases where pausing and resuming can be a lifesaver:

• Shared Networks: You may want to pause large uploads while others in your household or office need bandwidth.
• Overnighters: Resume big uploads overnight to leverage off-peak internet speeds without using up daytime productivity.
• On-the-Go Users: If you’re working on public or unstable connections, pause until you’re back on a stable network.

Final Thoughts

While not equipped with a precise “Pause File” button, FileZilla does offer a practical, reliable way to halt and restart file transfers safely. Understanding and using the Transfer Queue effectively allows you to take control over your upload and download workflows, minimize file corruption risk, and optimize your bandwidth use.

Whether you’re an occasional user or a seasoned sysadmin, mastering this part of FileZilla can streamline your work and make the entire FTP process more manageable and efficient. So next time you’re in the middle of a multi-GB transfer and need to take a break—remember, pausing is only one click away with FileZilla!