How To Use SFTP to Connect to a Minecraft Server

SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol) provides a faster, more secure way to manage your Minecraft server files. It is the ideal method for managing bulk files and is required for any file uploads larger than 300MB (such as large worlds or modpacks).

Step 1: Download an FTP Client

To get started, you need an FTP client. This guide uses FileZilla because it is free and cross-platform, but any SFTP client will work. 

⚠️Note: Some antivirus programs or browsers may flag FileZilla as unsafe. This is a common false positive. You can safely bypass the warning, or use an alternative client WinSCP if you prefer.

1. Go to the FileZilla Client Download Page and download the installer for your operating system (Windows, Mac, or Linux). Choose the Client version.
   
2. Run the installer and follow the prompts to complete the setup.
3. Open FileZilla.
   

🛑 Note: FileZilla looks and functions almost identically across Windows, Mac, and Linux.

Step 2: Get Your SFTP Login Details

You will need your unique connection details from the SimpleGameHosting Control Panel.

1. Log into your SimpleGameHosting Control Panel account.
2. Go to the Console tab and click Stop to take your server offline (recommended before editing files).
3. Click the FILES tab in the top menu.
4. Click SFTP (located next to Create Directory) to view your login details.
   
5. Copy your Server Address and Username.
   

💡 Tip: Your SFTP password is the exact same password you use to log into the Control Panel.

Step 3: Connect Using FileZilla

The fastest way to connect is by using FileZilla’s Quickconnect bar at the top of the application.

1. Open FileZilla and fill in the top fields using your details from Step 2:
   1. Host: Your Server Address
   2. Username: Your SFTP Username
   3. Password: Your Control Panel Password
   4. Port: Leave blank (FileZilla will fill this automatically)
2. Click Quickconnect.
   
3. If an "Unknown host key" warning pops up, check the box to trust the host and click OK.
   

Once connected, your server’s files will appear in the Remote Site window on the right side of the screen.

Step 4: Manage Your Server Files

Now that you are connected, you can manage your server directory directly:

• Upload Files: Drag and drop files (like .jar files for mods/plugins) from your computer (left window) into the server folders (right window).
• Edit Configurations: Drag configuration files (like .yml or .json files) to your computer, edit them with a text editor (ex. VS Code or Notepad++), and drag them back to the server. Select Overwrite if prompted.
• Structure: Depending on your server type, you will see specific folders like /plugins or /mods where these files must be placed.

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