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Level 1

10 points

FTP server, Mac OS High Sierra

Pre-High Sierra, I was able to run an FTP server through the command line:

"sudo -s launchctl load -w /System/Library/LaunchDaemons/ftp.plist"

Fast forward, I've installed High Sierra, and I can't use that command anymore. I've also downloaded and installed Mac OS Server, but I don't see it as a service there either.

Any suggestions to run an FTP server locally on my Mac? I'd prefer a command-line solution like I started with once upon a time.

P.S. I've also tried the following file sharing solution with the -F option (for FTP) with no luck:

"sudo sharing -a ~/Desktop -F test"

MacBook Pro with Retina display, macOS High Sierra (10.13), null

Posted on Sep 27, 2017 11:22 AM

Best reply

RayKep Author

Level 1

10 points

Posted on Dec 6, 2017 8:06 AM

Thanks to Dr. Ripco. His answer helped me develop a working solution which requires the binaries from pre-High Sierra. FTP, telnet, and my pre-High Sierra bash profile shortcuts work on two MacBooks currently running High Sierra. The optional statements should be done if you want to include telnet or use the 'launchctl load/unload' commands for FTP.

Copy these files from a Apple OS that is pre-High Sierra, or find another source.

/usr/bin - ftp and telnet (Optional)
(Optional) /usr/libexec/ftpd - ftpd
(Optional) /System/Library/LaunchDaemons - ftp.plist

Disable SIP via Recovery Mode

Reboot the computer. When the Apple logo shows up, hold down Command+R.
Open the Terminal under Utilities.
Type 'csrutil disable' and press Enter.
Reboot the computer.

Move the files to the various locations on your computer running High Sierra.

/usr/local/bin - ftp, telnet (Optional)
(Optional) /usr/libexec/ftpd - ftpd
(Optional) /System/Library/LaunchDaemons - ftp.plist

(Optional) Update the permissions for the ftp.plist file

Open Terminal.
Type 'chmod 677 /System/Library/LaunchDaemons/ftp.plist' and press Enter

Verify it works.

Open Terminal
Type 'ftp localhost' and press Enter. This should show as connected and not return errors.
(Optional) Type 'sudo -s launchctl load -w /System/Library/LaunchDaemons/ftp.plist' and press Enter. Shouldn't return any errors.

Re-enable SIP

Reboot the computer. When the Apple logo shows up, hold down Command+R.
Open the Terminal under Utilities.
Type 'csrutil enable' and press Enter.
Reboot the computer.

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30 replies

Jan 16, 2018 5:07 AM in response to Marcel Eggimann

I also vouch for the ftp server. It's much easier to use than sending to email and I don't feel email is reliable enough from these machines, not to mention security issues of the email being sent out into the "wild" with scanned documents. The FTP Server in the App store is just set it and go and doesn't have to talk outside the LAN.

Also, complain to Apple that it should be there in server. It's a necessary component. Even if they don't listen you are not out anything. I would be fine with them getting rid of the Server App as long as it's all built into the OS, and that includes FTP.

Sep 27, 2017 11:26 AM in response to RayKep

Refer to the Implementation section.

https://developer.apple.com/library/content/documentation/FileManagement/Concept ual/APFS_Guide/FAQ/FAQ.html#//apple_ref/…

cmurc

Level 1

4 points

Nov 9, 2017 5:22 PM in response to brycesteiner

See this thread for how the FTP app can help with scanner issues: FTP No Longer works in High Sierra?

RayKep Author

Level 1

10 points

Sep 27, 2017 11:37 AM in response to skylarkpunch

I looked at it, but I don't know how it answers my question. Can you clarify what it's stating?

RayKep Author

Level 1

10 points

Oct 11, 2017 2:57 AM in response to etresoft

FTP was our known, go-to solution to transfer a firmware upgrade file from a MacBook to a radio. I'll check to see if SFTP could work.

RayKep Author

Level 1

10 points

Oct 11, 2017 2:59 AM in response to Dr.Ripco

Fortunately, I work with lots of dinosaurs who don't update anything unless it's brazenly obvious. I'll give this a shot. Thank you for your suggestion.

Oct 11, 2017 5:09 AM in response to RayKep

There is the venerable rcp(1), and its replacement, rsync(1) for remote network transfer solutions.

epompei

Level 1

9 points

Oct 13, 2017 7:09 AM in response to RayKep

Hello, I have tried enabling remote login and using sftp client instead of simple ftp. The Mac simply refused any incoming connection. Anything else I can try?

macOS 10.12.6

Thanks!

Oct 24, 2017 12:48 PM in response to etresoft

And this response was helpful HOW???

Oct 24, 2017 1:58 PM in response to etresoft

Is there a way to do this from the command line? It appears SFTP has been removed from GUI for High Sierra or moved at least. AFP and SMB are the only file sharing that seems to be available.