How to choose and set up an SFTP client
SFTP, the secure file transfer protocol, is the standard way to move files to and from your server. Browser uploads are fine for small files, but for worlds, modpacks and websites, a dedicated SFTP client is faster, can resume, and lets you drag whole folders. This guide compares popular clients, shows how to connect and gives tips for avoiding the usual mistakes.
What you need to connect
Whatever client you pick, you need four pieces of information:
| Field | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Host | The server address, such as an IP or hostname |
| Port | The SFTP port. It is often not 22 on a game panel, so use the one shown |
| Username | The SFTP username shown in your panel |
| Password or key | Your password, or an SSH key for a VPS |
For game servers, the details appear on the panel's SFTP settings page. For a VPS, you use your SSH login. Connect with SFTP shows where to find them for a hosted game server, and Connect to your VPS over SSH covers the VPS side.
Make sure to choose the SFTP protocol, not plain FTP. FTP sends data without encryption, including passwords.
Popular clients
| Client | Systems | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| FileZilla | Windows, macOS, Linux | A familiar two-pane layout, widely used |
| WinSCP | Windows | Powerful, with scripting and editing |
| Cyberduck | Windows, macOS | A simple interface, works with many services |
| Transmit | macOS | Polished, paid |
Command line sftp / scp | Windows, macOS, Linux | No install needed, scriptable |
| VS Code remote extensions | Any | Editing files on the server directly |
There is no single best choice. Pick one you find easy, because the features that matter most are the same: reliable resume, queueing and the ability to see hidden files.
A note on installers
Download clients only from the official project website, not from ad links or random mirrors. Some download sites bundle unwanted software with installers. Check the file's digital signature or checksum when the project provides one.
Connecting with a graphical client
The steps are similar across clients:
- Open the site manager or new connection dialog.
- Choose SFTP as the protocol.
- Enter the host, port, username and password.
- Connect. The first time, you are shown the server's key fingerprint. Accept it if you trust the server, and the client remembers it.
- Browse the remote folders in one pane and your computer in the other.
- Drag files across to upload or download.
Connecting with the command line
sftp -P 2022 username@host
Inside the prompt, common commands:
| Command | Action |
|---|---|
ls, cd | List and change remote folders |
lcd | Change the local folder |
get file | Download a file |
put file | Upload a file |
get -r folder | Download a folder |
exit | Quit |
scp is a one-shot alternative: scp -P 2022 file username@host:/path/. For many files, rsync over SSH is better on a VPS. See How to back up your VPS with rsync.
Tips for smooth transfers
- Compress first. A single archive is far faster than thousands of tiny files. See How to compress and extract files.
- Stop the server before uploading worlds or replacing active files, so nothing is overwritten mid-save.
- Use binary mode if the client offers a choice. Modern clients do this automatically.
- Limit parallel transfers if you see errors. Two or three at a time is usually reliable.
- Show hidden files to see items starting with a dot, such as
.env. - Keep transfers resumable. If a long upload fails, reconnect and resume instead of starting over.
- Verify the result by checking file sizes or checksums.
Authentication with keys
On a VPS, SSH keys are more secure than passwords. Most clients let you load a private key file in the connection settings. Protect the key with a passphrase, never share it and never upload it to a server. See How to set up SSH key authentication.
Common problems
| Problem | Likely fix |
|---|---|
| Connection refused | Wrong port, or the service is off. See Connection timed out vs refused |
| Authentication failed | Wrong username or password, or a key problem |
| Timeout | A firewall or network issue on your side |
| Permission denied on upload | The target folder is not writable. See Fix "Permission denied" errors |
| Files corrupted after upload | Transfer interrupted. Re-send and verify |
| Host key changed warning | The server was reinstalled, or something is wrong. Be careful, and confirm with support |
Staying safe
Treat your SFTP password like any other. Use a unique one, and see How to choose strong passwords and use a password manager. Do not use public computers to log in, and never save passwords in shared clients. If you suspect your login has leaked, change it and review your account. See Keep your account secure.
Once you have a client set up and know your connection details, moving files becomes a routine, quick job.
Still stuck? Open a ticket on Discord - run /ticket in any channel, pick a department, and include your Server ID or Invoice ID so we can jump straight in.