FAQ
TL;DR: On the HG8347R, FTP uses port 21, and the fix was to “mark FTP in LAN and WAN and it works.” Enable FTP in Security, then connect via ftp://router_ip:21 with your credentials. [Elektroda, Danny wx, post #16765727]
Why it matters: This solves “USB detected but not visible” and “invalid FTP URL” errors without extra hardware, fast.
Quick Facts
- Example drive: 16 GB USB flash formatted FAT32 was detected by the router. [Elektroda, Danny wx, post #16760958]
- Connect format: ftp://router_ip:21 with the username and password you set. [Elektroda, sosarek, post #16763421]
- If pages hang or are unreachable, enable FTP for both LAN and WAN under Security. [Elektroda, Danny wx, post #16765727]
- Some firmware shows no dedicated FTP item under WAN; control is via Security/ACL. [Elektroda, sosarek, post #16765583]
- Using an FTP client (e.g., FileZilla) often works when browsers refuse FTP. “Configure the client and it will work.” [Elektroda, sosarek, post #16763276]
How do I enable the FTP server on a Huawei HG8347R?
Open the router UI, go to Security, and enable FTP for both LAN and WAN. Save and reboot if needed. Then plug in your USB drive and test with ftp://router_ip:21 using your set credentials. This three-step change resolved “device not visible.” [Elektroda, Danny wx, post #16765727]
What URL should I use to access the USB drive over FTP?
Use ftp://router_ip:21 and enter the username and password you configured on the router’s FTP page. Many users connect reliably after enabling FTP in Security and using that exact format. Avoid HTTP/HTTPS schemes for FTP access. [Elektroda, sosarek, post #16763421]
Why do I get “Invalid FTP URL” on my browser?
Use the correct scheme and port: ftp://router_ip:21. Some browsers limit FTP, so try an FTP client if the URL still fails. The thread verified the ftp://IP:21 format when testing connectivity. [Elektroda, sosarek, post #16763458]
It loads forever or says site unreachable—what’s wrong?
The FTP service is likely disabled by default. Enable FTP for both LAN and WAN under Security, apply, and test again. This fixed USB visibility and stall issues for the original poster immediately after toggling both checkboxes. [Elektroda, Danny wx, post #16765727]
Do I need a special FTP client, or will a browser work?
Browsers can reject FTP. Install an FTP client like FileZilla or WinSCP, enter router_ip as Host, port 21, and your credentials. As one expert put it, “Configure the client and it will work.” [Elektroda, sosarek, post #16763276]
Where do I set my FTP username and password on this router?
In the router’s FTP server settings, create or edit the account and set a username and password. You will use these when connecting from your client. The OP configured login details during setup. [Elektroda, Danny wx, post #16760958]
Does the HG8347R read a 16 GB FAT32 flash drive?
Yes. The router detected a 16 GB FAT32 USB stick, but files were inaccessible until FTP was enabled in Security. After enabling, the drive became available to clients via FTP. [Elektroda, Danny wx, post #16760958]
Can I allow FTP from the internet (WAN)?
Yes, by enabling FTP for WAN in Security. Use strong credentials and consider limiting exposure. The successful setup required checking FTP for both LAN and WAN before connections worked. [Elektroda, Danny wx, post #16765727]
I can’t find an FTP option under WAN > New. Is that normal?
Yes. This firmware exposes FTP access via Security/ACL rather than a dedicated WAN item. The poster initially saw no WAN FTP option and succeeded after enabling FTP in Security. [Elektroda, Danny wx, post #16765727]
How can I quickly test if the FTP port responds?
Try opening ftp://router_ip:21 in a browser or, better, connect with an FTP client to port 21. If it connects and prompts for credentials, the service is up. If not, enable FTP in Security. [Elektroda, sosarek, post #16761813]
USB is detected but not visible on devices—what fixed it here?
Enabling FTP for both LAN and WAN in the Security tab solved it immediately. Without those checkboxes, connections stalled or failed despite USB detection. This is a common edge case on this model. [Elektroda, Danny wx, post #16765727]
What are the exact steps to get FTP sharing working?
- Router UI > Security > enable FTP for LAN and WAN, Save/Apply.
- Insert FAT32 USB drive; confirm the router detects it.
- Connect using ftp://router_ip:21 with your username/password in an FTP client.
[Elektroda, Danny wx, post #16765727]
