How To Use SFTP to Connect to a Minecraft Server

SFTP is the more secure version of FTP, and with it, you can connect to your Minecraft server and add plugins, and mods, download and change configs, and more. 

SFTP is one of the best ways to interact with your server, as you can easily download, upload, and delete files without having to access the SimpleGameHosting Control Panel once you have the login information saved in your FTP Client. 

Step 1: Downloading an FTP Client

First, you will need to download and install an FTP client in order to access your server via SFTP.

For all of SimpleGameHosting’s Knowledge Base, we will be using the FileZilla client. This is because it is free and easy to use. There are other FTP clients out there, though, so feel free to use any you like. 

1. To download FileZilla, navigate to the FileZilla Client Download Page. Once you are there, click the Download FileZilla Client button. FileZilla will then start downloading. 

2. Next, FileZilla can be installed like any other program. Just go through the installer until it is finished.

3. Once it’s complete, it should open automatically. If not, open FileZilla. 

🛑 Note: This guide shows images from FileZilla's Windows App, but the process relitivley is the same no matter which operating system you are using. 

Step 2: Getting Your SFTP Login Details

Before you can connect using your FTP client, you'll need to retrieve your SFTP login information from the control panel.

1. Log into your server control panel.

2. Go to the Console tab and press the Stop button to take the server offline.

3. Next, click the SFTP tab in the top menu.

• Here, you’ll find your SFTP details, including the server address and username. You can click on each field to copy them. Keep this page open or save the details, you’ll need them shortly.

Step 3: Accessing Your Server via SFTP

The easiest way to connect is by using the Quickconnect feature in FileZilla.

1. Open FileZilla and enter the following using your SFTP details:

• Host: (your server address from Step 2)
• Username:
• Password: (same as your control panel password)

💡Note: Leave the port section blank, it'll auto fill once you connect. 

2. Confirm the information you entered is correct and then press the Quickconnect button to the right to connect. 

• If a popup appears mentioning an "Unknown host key," that's normal and just click OK to continue.

3. Once you're connect to your server, you should see your server files show up in the right hand windows of the FilzeZilla app. 

Step 4: Using SFTP To Manage Your Server

Once connected, you’ll see all your server's files and folders. What you see will depend on how your server is set up. For example:

• Servers using plugins will have a plugins folder.
• Servers with mods will have a mods folder.
• Worlds and other folders will also vary depending on your configuration.

You can drag and drop files from your server to your computer. From there, if these are config files (such as .yml or .json files), you can edit them with a text editor like VSCode. 

Once the files have been edited and saved, they can be moved from your computer onto the server. You can overwrite existing files, but a pop-up may appear confirming this. 

New files such as worlds, mods, or plugins can be uploaded or updated through SFTP by first downloading them to your computer and then transferring them to your server.

If you need help, don't hesitate to reach out to our support team by submitting a Support Ticket or contacting us directly via LiveChat!