How to Connect to Your Server via SFTP

How to Connect to Your Server via SFTP

SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol) lets you connect directly to your server's file system from your computer. It's the most reliable way to upload large files, download backups, or manage files that are too large or too many to handle through the browser-based file manager.

What You'll Need

• A free SFTP client — we recommend FileZilla (filezilla-project.org)
• Your SFTP credentials from the control panel (host, port, username, password)

Step 1 — Install FileZilla

1. Go to filezilla-project.org and click Download FileZilla Client
2. Run the installer and follow the steps — all default settings are fine
3. Open FileZilla once installed

Note: Only download FileZilla from the official website. Third-party download sites sometimes bundle unwanted software.

Step 2 — Find Your SFTP Credentials

1. Log in to panel.spillhosting.no
2. Select your server
3. Click the Settings tab
4. Look for the SFTP Details section — you'll find:
   • Host (e.g. sftp.spillhosting.no)
   • Port (usually 2022 — note this is different from the standard port 22)
   • Username
   • Password — this is the same password you use to log in to the control panel

Tip: Keep this tab open while you set up FileZilla in the next step.

Step 3 — Connect with FileZilla

Quick Connect (easiest)

At the top of FileZilla you'll see a quick connect bar with four fields:

1. Fill in all four fields
2. Click Quickconnect
3. If prompted with an "Unknown host key" warning, click OK — this is normal on first connection

Saved Connection (recommended for regular use)

To save your credentials so you don't have to type them every time:

1. Click File → Site Manager (or press Ctrl + S)
2. Click New Site and give it a name (e.g. My Minecraft Server)
3. Set Protocol to SFTP - SSH File Transfer Protocol
4. Enter your Host, Port, Username, and Password
5. Set Logon Type to Normal
6. Click Connect

Step 4 — Navigate Your Server Files

Once connected, FileZilla is split into two panels:

• Left side — your computer's files
• Right side — your server's files

On the right side (server), you'll land in your server's root directory. This is where you'll find files like:

• server.properties
• eula.txt
• world/ (your world folder)
• plugins/ (if using Spigot/Paper)
• mods/ (if using Forge/Fabric)

Use the folder tree or double-click folders to navigate, just like Windows Explorer.

Step 5 — Upload Files to Your Server

1. On the left side, navigate to the file or folder on your computer that you want to upload
2. On the right side, navigate to the folder on your server where you want to put the file
3. Drag and drop the file or folder from the left panel to the right panel
4. FileZilla will show the transfer progress at the bottom — wait for it to complete

Uploading a folder: You can drag an entire folder and FileZilla will upload all its contents, including subfolders. This is the best method for uploading world folders.

Step 6 — Download Files from Your Server

1. On the right side, navigate to the file or folder you want to download
2. On the left side, navigate to where you want to save it on your computer
3. Drag and drop from the right panel to the left panel

Tip: Always download your world folder before making major changes — it's your backup.

Troubleshooting

"Connection refused" or "Could not connect":

• Double-check the host, port, username, and password
• Make sure you're using the SFTP port from the panel (e.g. 2022), not the default port 22
• Check that your server is online in the control panel

"Authentication failed":

• Your password is the same as your control panel login password
• Try logging out and back in to the control panel to confirm your password is correct

Transfer is very slow:

• This is usually your internet connection — SFTP speed depends on your upload/download speed
• Try pausing other downloads or streaming while transferring large files

FileZilla shows "Timeout" during large uploads:

• Go to Edit → Settings → Connection and increase the timeout value to 120 seconds

I can see my files but can't delete or edit them:

• Make sure your server is stopped before modifying critical files like world folders
• Some files may be locked because the server is running

Need more help? Contact our support team and we'll assist you with your connection.