How do I use SFTP to transfer files?

SFTP sends files over an SSH connection, so everything, including your password, is encrypted.

Shared web hosting and WordPress hosting

SSH and SFTP are not open on our shared hosting server at the moment. To move files, use cPanel File Manager: log in at https://cloud.lurstanhost.net:2083 and open Files > File Manager. Our guide How do I upload a large file via FTP? shows the steps.

Linux VPS

On a Linux VPS from us you have root access, and SFTP works wherever SSH does. You need:

• the server's IP address: log in to the client area, open Services and select the VPS;
• the username root;
• the root password you chose when you ordered, or an SSH key you have added to the server.

With a program

FileZilla, WinSCP (Windows) and Cyberduck (Mac) all support SFTP. In FileZilla:

1. Open File > Site Manager and select New site.
2. Set Protocol to SFTP - SSH File Transfer Protocol.
3. Enter the server's IP address as the host and 22 as the port (or your own SSH port if you changed it).
4. Enter root as the user, then the password, and select Connect.

The first time, the program asks whether to trust the server's key. Accept it if you are connecting to your own server's IP address.

From the command line

Windows 10 and 11, macOS and Linux include the sftp command. Open PowerShell (Windows) or Terminal (Mac and Linux) and run:

sftp root@YOUR-SERVER-IP

If you moved SSH to another port, give the port like this: sftp -P 2200 root@YOUR-SERVER-IP

Useful commands at the sftp> prompt:

For better security, log in with an SSH key instead of a password. See How to Protect Your VPS from Malware and Hackers.