What Is SFTP for Game Servers? Connect With FileZilla or WinSCP
SFTP is an encrypted way to move your game server files. What it is, how to connect with FileZilla or WinSCP, and fixes for common SFTP errors.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 · 6 min read
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SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol) is an encrypted way to move files between your PC and your game server. You use it with a free app like FileZilla or WinSCP to upload worlds, modpacks and plugins, and to download backups, with the server's host, port, username and password. It is the fastest way to move anything bigger than a config file.
What do you use SFTP for?
A browser file manager is great for editing one config file. SFTP is for everything heavier:
- Uploading a world from single player or another host. See how to move your world to a hosted server.
- Uploading a modpack with hundreds of files in nested folders.
- Downloading backups of the whole server to your PC.
- Bulk edits, like replacing a plugins folder or a set of map files.
- Resuming a big transfer that dropped halfway.
SFTP vs FTP vs FTPS
| FTP | FTPS | SFTP | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Encrypted | No | Yes | Yes |
| Built on | FTP | FTP with TLS | SSH |
| Ports | 21 plus a range of data ports | 21 or 990 plus data ports | One port |
| Password sent in plain text | Yes | No | No |
| Common on game panels | Older hosts | Rare | Most modern panels |
Plain FTP sends your password and files unencrypted, which is why modern game panels use SFTP. Note that the name is confusingly close to FTP but it is a completely different protocol. If your app is set to FTP, it will not connect to an SFTP server.
What you need to connect
Four details, all from your host's panel:
| Detail | What it looks like | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Host | An address or hostname | Often not the same as the game address |
| Port | A number such as 2022 |
Game panels often use a port other than SSH's usual 22 |
| Username | Often something like name.a1b2c3d4 |
Many panels add a server ID after a dot |
| Password | Your panel or SFTP password | Copy it exactly |
On GamezServers, open your server, go to Settings and click Show SFTP login. You get the host, port, username and password ready to copy. Each time you show the login a new password is set and the old one stops working, so if an app suddenly stops connecting, show the login again and update the password.
How to connect with FileZilla
FileZilla is free and runs on Windows, macOS and Linux. Download it from filezilla-project.org, and untick any optional offers in the installer.
- Open FileZilla and go to File, Site Manager.
- Click New site and give it a name, like your server's name.
- Set Protocol to SFTP - SSH File Transfer Protocol.
- Enter the Host and Port from your panel.
- Set Logon Type to Normal, then enter the User and Password.
- Click Connect.
- The first time, FileZilla shows an Unknown host key warning. That is normal for a new server. Tick to always trust it and click OK.
Your PC is on the left, the server is on the right. Drag files or folders across to upload or download. The queue at the bottom shows progress and failed transfers, which you can retry.
For a quick one off connection, you can also type sftp://your-host in the Quickconnect bar with the username, password and port.
How to connect with WinSCP
WinSCP is free and Windows only, and many people find it easier for editing files in place.
- Open WinSCP. The Login window appears.
- Set File protocol to SFTP.
- Enter the Host name and Port number.
- Enter the User name and Password.
- Click Save if you want to keep it, then Login.
- Accept the host key prompt the first time.
The left pane is your PC, the right is the server. Double clicking a text file opens it in WinSCP's editor, and saving uploads it straight back.
Other SFTP clients
- Cyberduck on macOS and Windows: click Open Connection and choose SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol).
- The command line on macOS, Linux and Windows 10 or newer:
sftp -P 2022 username@host, thenput,getandls. Note the capital-Pfor the port.
Tips for uploading worlds and modpacks
- Stop the server first when replacing a world or a mods folder, or it may overwrite your files on its next save.
- Keep folder names exact. A Minecraft world uploaded as
world (1)will not load iflevel-namesaysworld. - Upload the unzipped folder. The server reads folders, not archives, so unzip on your PC first and drag the folder across.
- Watch the failed transfers list. One failed file in a modpack can stop the server starting.
- Take a backup first. See how to back up a game server.
Common SFTP errors and fixes
| Error | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Connection refused | Wrong port, or the app is using FTP | Check the port and set the protocol to SFTP |
| Connection timed out | Wrong host, or a firewall blocking the port | Copy the host again, try another network |
| Authentication failed | Wrong password, or the password was reset | Show the login again and paste the new password |
| Access denied on a file | The server is running and using that file | Stop the server, then retry |
| Received unexpected end of file from SFTP server | Usually a wrong username format | Copy the full username, including anything after the dot |
| Upload stalls on thousands of small files | Lots of tiny transfers | Raise the number of simultaneous transfers in the app's settings |
Is SFTP safe?
Yes. Everything, including your password, is encrypted in transit. The main risks are on your side: saving the password in an app on a shared PC, or giving the login to someone you would not trust with the server. On our servers only the owner can get the SFTP login, and showing it again resets the password, which instantly locks out any old copy of it.
FAQ
Do I need SFTP to run a game server?
No. Most day to day changes are config edits you can make in the browser file manager. SFTP becomes useful when you upload a world, a modpack or many files at once, or want a full backup on your PC.
What port does SFTP use?
The standard SSH port is 22, but game server panels often run SFTP on a different port, such as 2022. Always use the port your panel shows.
Can I use SFTP on a phone?
Yes, there are SFTP apps for Android and iOS, but uploading worlds and modpacks is much easier from a PC.
Why does my SFTP password keep changing?
On GamezServers, every time you click Show SFTP login a fresh password is set for security. Use the newest one.
Can friends who share my server use SFTP?
On our servers, SFTP is for the owner. Friends who share the bill can still use the console, the one click actions and the Files tab from their own dashboard.
Get a server with SFTP from the start
Every GamezServers plan includes the full console, a file manager and SFTP. Pick a game on the games page, or read game server hosting with full control for what else to check before you choose a host.
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