When SFTP is useful
SFTP is the best option when you need to upload a project with many files, download a full project copy, or work with a desktop file-transfer client. It uses an encrypted SSH-based file-transfer connection.
- Good for large folder trees
- Good for repeated uploads during development
- Good for downloading a local copy before major changes
- Not the same as FTP; choose SFTP in your client
Connection steps
- 1Open the server in Hydrodactyl.
- 2Find the SFTP connection details shown for that server in the panel.
- 3Open an SFTP client such as FileZilla, WinSCP, Cyberduck, or another client that supports SFTP.
- 4Copy the host, port, and username exactly as displayed by Hydrodactyl.
- 5Use the panel account password or credential requested by the panel for the SFTP connection.
- 6Connect and transfer files into the server directory.
Do not guess the port or username
The SFTP host, port, and username are server-specific panel details. Always copy the values Hydrodactyl shows for your server instead of using generic FTP settings.
If SFTP will not connect
- Confirm the protocol is SFTP, not FTP or FTPS.
- Copy the host, port, and username again from the panel.
- Make sure the panel password or credential is current.
- Try the browser file manager to confirm your panel account can still access the server.
- If both panel access and SFTP fail, contact support with the server name and the error message, but never send your password or bot token.