How to connect to your server over SFTP with a free tool like FileZilla or WinSCP, so you can transfer big files or lots of files far more reliably than the browser uploader.
SFTP stands for Secure File Transfer Protocol. In plain terms it is a secure way to move files straight between your computer and your server. The web uploader in the panel is fine for the odd small file, but once you are shifting a big modpack or hundreds of files at once, SFTP is the better tool.
Why SFTP beats the browser uploader
The browser uploader is quick and convenient, but it has limits. SFTP wins for anything large or bulky because it is:
- More reliable. It handles big transfers without the browser timing out or choking.
- Resumable. If the connection drops partway, most SFTP tools pick up where they left off instead of starting over.
- Faster for lots of files. Uploading a folder of hundreds of small files at once is far smoother than dragging them into a browser.
Where to find your SFTP details
Your connection details live in the panel.
- Open your server in the panel.
- Go to the Settings tab.
- Look for the SFTP section. It shows the host (the address), the port (a number), and your SFTP username.
A couple of things worth knowing before you connect:
- Your password is your panel account password, the same one you log in to the panel with. There is no separate SFTP password.
- The username shown in Settings is your SFTP username. It is not the same as your account email, and using the email instead is the most common reason a login fails.
Connecting with FileZilla
FileZilla is a free file transfer program for Windows, Mac and Linux. Download it from filezilla-project.org and grab the Client, not the Server.
- Open FileZilla.
- Go to File, then Site Manager, then New Site.
- Set the Protocol dropdown to SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol).
- In Host, enter the host from your panel Settings tab.
- In Port, enter the port number from Settings. Do not leave it blank, because the SFTP port is usually not the default.
- Set Logon Type to Ask for password, or Normal if you want it saved.
- In User, enter your SFTP username exactly as shown in the panel.
- Click Connect and enter your panel account password when asked.
Once connected, your computer is on the left and your server files are on the right. Drag files across to upload them.
Connecting with WinSCP
WinSCP is another free transfer program, Windows only. Download it from winscp.net.
- Open WinSCP. The Login window appears.
- Set File protocol to SFTP.
- In Host name, enter the host from your panel Settings tab.
- In Port number, enter the port from Settings.
- In User name, enter your SFTP username from the panel.
- Leave the password blank if you would rather be asked each time, or type your panel account password in.
- Click Login and enter your password if prompted.
Your computer is on the left, your server on the right. Drag files over to upload.
Troubleshooting
- Connection refused or timed out: nearly always the wrong port. Double check the port in the Settings tab and make sure you typed that exact number, not the game default.
- Login failed or authentication rejected: you are probably using your account email as the username. Use the SFTP username shown in the panel instead, along with your panel password.
- Password not accepted: your SFTP password is your panel account password. If you recently changed your panel password, use the new one.
- Server files look empty, or you cannot find your world or config: make sure your server has been installed at least once, and check you are in the right folder rather than the parent directory.
Still stuck? Jump into our Discord at discord.gg/GuavaHost and the team will help you out.