SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol) does the same job as regular FTP, moving files between your computer and your hosting account, but it encrypts the connection so your login details and files aren't sent in plain text. It uses port 22 instead of FTP's port 21, and the login details you need are a little different depending on your control panel.
What you'll need
- An SFTP-capable client, such as FileZilla
- Your server's hostname or IP address
- Port 22
- A username and password with SSH access on your account
Individual FTP accounts you create in cPanel or DirectAdmin usually can't connect over SFTP. You'll normally need to use your main control panel username and password instead, since SFTP relies on SSH access, which is tied to your primary account and not to separate FTP sub-accounts.
Connecting in FileZilla
In cPanel
- Open FileZilla and go to File > Site Manager.
- Click New Site and give it a name.
- Set Protocol to SFTP - SSH File Transfer Protocol.
- Enter your server's hostname or IP address under Host, and 22 under Port.
- Set Logon Type to Normal, then enter your cPanel username and password.
- Click Connect. The first time you connect, FileZilla will ask you to confirm the server's host key: accept it to continue.
In DirectAdmin
- Open FileZilla and go to File > Site Manager.
- Click New Site and give it a name.
- Set Protocol to SFTP - SSH File Transfer Protocol.
- Enter your server's hostname or IP address under Host, and 22 under Port.
- Set Logon Type to Normal, then enter your DirectAdmin username and password.
- Click Connect, and accept the host key confirmation prompt the first time you connect.
If the connection fails
A few common causes to check:
- Confirm you're using port 22, not port 21.
- Make sure SSH access is enabled on your hosting account. See How to Enable and Use SSH Access on Your Hosting Account if you're not sure it's turned on.
- Confirm you're using your main control panel login, not a separate FTP account.
- If you're on a restrictive office or public Wi-Fi network, outbound port 22 may be blocked. Try a different network to confirm.
If you'd rather use regular FTP, or want to understand the difference in more detail first, see FTP vs SFTP: Which Should You Use to Transfer Files to Your Website?