Plesk: SFTP Access

The SSH File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) is a secure alternative to FTP, based on SSH and requiring only one connection between client and server. SFTP is available for the system user, while additional FTP users can use FTP over TLS (FTPES). SFTP is automatically enabled when SSH access is activated in Plesk. Not all FTP programs support SFTP, so compatibility should be checked. A guide for setting up SFTP in FileZilla describes the steps for server management and connection setup.

The SSH File Transfer Protocol or Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) is an alternative to FTP designed for SSH and is therefore based on a completely different protocol. Unlike FTP over TLS (FTPES), SFTP only requires a single connection between client and server.

Note: SFTP is only available for the system user (main FTP user). For additionally created FTP users, FTP over TLS (FTPES) can be used as an alternative.

Enabling SFTP
Using SFTP

Enabling SFTP

SFTP is automatically available once SSH access has been enabled in Plesk. Instructions on how to enable SSH access can be found in the following online help article: Plesk: SSH Access

Using SFTP

Not every FTP program supports the SFTP protocol. Therefore, please check in advance whether SFTP is supported by your FTP program. Below you will find instructions for setup using the FTP program FileZilla.

1. Click the server icon on the left side to open the server management.
    
2. Click on New Server
    
3. Now select the protocol option SFTP – SSH File Transfer Protocol and enter port 2121 along with the system user’s username and password. Then confirm with OK to save the details.
    
4. You can now open the newly configured connection via the drop-down field next to the server icon.