How to Log In to an SFTP Server

SFTP stands for Secure File Transfer Protocol. It lets you securely upload, download, and manage files on a remote server.

You usually need:

Server address: sftp.example.com

Username: exampleuser

Password or SSH private key

Port: usually 22

Option 1: Log in with FileZilla

1. Install FileZilla

Download and install FileZilla Client.

2. Open FileZilla

At the top of the window, fill in:

Field	Example
Host	`sftp://sftp.example.com`
Username	`your_username`
Password	`your_password`
Port	`22`

Make sure the host starts with:


sftp://

Example:


sftp://files.seven-labs.com

3. Click Quickconnect

Click Quickconnect.

The first time you connect, FileZilla may ask you to trust the server’s host key.

Click OK only if you trust the server.

4. Upload or download files

After logging in:

Left side = your computer

Right side = SFTP server

To upload a file, drag it from the left side to the right side.

To download a file, drag it from the right side to the left side.

Option 2: Log in with WinSCP

1. Install WinSCP

Download and install WinSCP.

2. Create a new connection

Open WinSCP and enter:

Setting	Value
File protocol	`SFTP`
Host name	`sftp.example.com`
Port number	`22`
User name	`your_username`
Password	`your_password`

3. Click Login

Click Login.

If prompted about the server key, confirm it only if you trust the server.

4. Transfer files

WinSCP shows:

Left side = your computer

Right side = server

Drag and drop files to upload or download.

Option 3: Log in from Windows Terminal, PowerShell, macOS, or Linux

Most modern systems include the sftp command.

Use this command:


sftp username@sftp.example.com

Example:


sftp sam@files.seven-labs.com

If the server uses a custom port:


sftp -P 2222 username@sftp.example.com

Example:


sftp -P 2222 sam@files.seven-labs.com

Enter your password when prompted.

Common SFTP Commands

Once logged in, you can use these commands:

Command	Description	Example
`ls`	Lists files on the server.	`ls`
`pwd`	Shows your current folder on the server.	`pwd`
`cd`	Changes folders on the server.	`cd uploads`
`put filename.txt`	Uploads a file to the server.	`put document.txt`
`get filename.txt`	Downloads a file from the server.	`get backup.zip`
`mkdir`	Creates a folder on the server.	`mkdir newfolder`
`rm`	Deletes a file from the server.	`rm oldfile.txt`
`exit`	Disconnects from the SFTP server.	`exit`

Example Login


sftp myuser@sftp.example.com

Then upload a file:


put report.pdf

Then disconnect:


exit

Troubleshooting

Permission denied

Check that your username and password are correct.

Connection timed out

The server may be offline, the address may be wrong, or a firewall may be blocking the connection.

Wrong port

SFTP usually uses port 22, but some servers use a custom port like 2222.

Cannot upload files

Your account may not have write permissions to that folder. Try uploading to your home directory or contact the server administrator.

Security Tips

Use SFTP instead of plain FTP whenever possible.

Never share your password publicly.

Only accept a server host key if you trust the server.

Use an SSH key instead of a password when possible.