Uploading files with SFTP

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.

4 min read · Updated Sep 24, 2026 · By GuavaHost Team

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 Files tab in the control panel is fine for the odd small file (up to 100 MB each), 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:

1. More reliable. It handles big transfers without the browser timing out or choking.
2. Resumable. If the connection drops partway, most SFTP tools pick up where they left off instead of starting over.
3. 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 on your server's Settings tab.

1. Sign in at customer.guavahost.com, open My servers and click Manage on your server.
2. Open the Settings tab.
3. Click Connection details to expand it. Under File access (SFTP) you will see the Address (host), the Port, your Username and an SFTP connection URL, each with a copy button.

Setting your SFTP password

Your SFTP password is separate from the password you use to sign in to GuavaHost. You choose it in the same File access (SFTP) section:

1. On the Settings tab, expand Connection details.
2. Under File access (SFTP), click Set SFTP password.
3. Choose a strong password and save it. Use it whenever an SFTP app asks for a password.

To change it later, set a new one the same way, then update any SFTP app that saved the old one.

A couple of things worth knowing before you connect:

• The username shown under File access (SFTP) 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.
• Signing in to GuavaHost with Google, Discord or GitHub does not give SFTP a password. Set one as above.

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.

1. Open FileZilla.
2. Go to File, then Site Manager, then New Site.
3. Set the Protocol dropdown to SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol).
4. In Host, enter the Address (host) from your server's Settings tab.
5. In Port, enter the Port from the same place. Do not leave it blank, because the SFTP port is usually not the default.
6. Set Logon Type to Ask for password, or Normal if you want it saved.
7. In User, enter your SFTP Username exactly as shown in the panel.
8. Click Connect and enter your SFTP 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.

1. Open WinSCP. The Login window appears.
2. Set File protocol to SFTP.
3. In Host name, enter the Address (host) from your server's Settings tab.
4. In Port number, enter the Port from the same place.
5. In User name, enter your SFTP Username from the panel.
6. Leave the password blank if you would rather be asked each time, or type your SFTP password in.
7. 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 under Connection details on 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 SFTP password.
• Password not accepted: your SFTP password is the one you chose with Set SFTP password, not the password you use to sign in to GuavaHost. If you are not sure what it is, set a new one and try again.
• 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.

• sftp
• files
• filezilla
• winscp
• uploads

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