---
title: 'How to connect to a server via FTP, SFTP, and SCP'
description: ''
image: 'https://cdn.zomro.com/uploads/blog/a48%40server-panel.net/2026/01/14/gemini_generated_image_v408lzv408lzv408_q50.jpg'
---

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  * How to connect to a server via FTP, SFTP, and SCP 



# How to connect to a server via FTP, SFTP, and SCP

14-01-2026

![](https://cdn.zomro.com/uploads/blog/a48%40server-panel.net/2026/01/14/gemini_generated_image_v408lzv408lzv408_q50.jpg)

In this guide, we will cover the most popular ways to upload and download files to a server: **FTP/FTPS, SFTP, and SCP**. I will show how to connect using **FileZilla** , **WinSCP** , and via the **terminal**(Linux/macOS/Windows PowerShell). I will also add practical security recommendations and typical errors that cause connections to “not work”.

## What to choose: FTP, FTPS, SFTP

### FTP

  * A classic file transfer protocol.

  * **Cons** : no encryption (login/password and data may be transmitted in plain text).

  * **Port** : usually **21/tcp**.




### FTPS (FTP + TLS/SSL)

  * This is FTP with encryption.

  * There are **Explicit FTPS** (usually also port 21) and **Implicit FTPS** (often port 990).

  * **Pros** : encryption.

  * **Cons** : sometimes requires proper configuration of **passive ports** and firewall.




### SFTP

  * It is not related to “FTP” conceptually; it is **file transfer over SSH.**

  * **Pros** : encryption, easier to work with firewalls, stable operation over a single port.

  * **Port** : usually **22/tcp**.




### SCP

  * Also works over SSH (port 22).

  * Convenient for “quickly copying a file/folder” using commands.

  * Not as convenient for directory navigation as SFTP.




**Recommendation:** if you have a choice, use **SFTP** (or **SCP** for one-time copies). **FTP/FTPS** should be used only when it is really necessary.

## What to prepare before connecting

You will need:

  1. The server **IP address** or domain.

  2. **Port**(21 for FTP/FTPS or 22 for SFTP/SCP, if unchanged).

  3. **Login and password** or an **SSH key.**

  4. An understanding of **which user** is suitable for the selected protocol.




### 

## Connecting via **FileZilla**(FTP/FTPS/SFTP)

**FileZilla** is one of the most convenient clients for working with files: local files on the left, server files on the right.

### Quick connection (Quickconnect)

At the top of FileZilla, there are fields:

  * **Host** \- IP or domain

  * **Username** \- login

  * **Password** \- password

  * **Port** \- port




Default ports:

  * FTP/FTPS: **21**

  * SFTP: **22**




![](https://cdn.zomro.com/uploads/blog/a48%40server-panel.net/2026/01/14/01_JHHsNYn_q50.jpg)

> For regular work, it is better to save a profile in the **Site Manager** instead of entering the data manually every time.

### 

### 

### Correct way: Site Manager

Open **Site Manager** (usually **Ctrl+S**) → **New site** and fill in:

#### Option A: SFTP (recommended)

  * **Protocol:** SFTP - SSH File Transfer Protocol

  * **Host:** IP/домен

  * **Port:** 22/21

  * **Logon Type:**

    * **Normal** (login/password) or

    * **Key file** (SSH‑key)

  * **User:** username




![](https://cdn.zomro.com/uploads/blog/a48%40server-panel.net/2026/01/14/02_CMUCoWd_q50.jpg)

If you are connecting for the first time, FileZilla will ask you to confirm the **SSH host key** (server fingerprint). This is normal - confirm it if you are connecting to your own server.

#### 

#### Option B: FTP

  * **Protocol:** FTP

  * **Encryption:**

    * “Use explicit FTP over TLS if available” (FTPS Explicit) - preferred over plain FTP

  * **Transfer Settings:**

    * If behind a firewall/NAT - **Passive** mode usually works better.




![](https://cdn.zomro.com/uploads/blog/a48%40server-panel.net/2026/01/14/03_dhPYh5Q_q50.jpg)

## 

## Connecting via terminal (Linux/macOS/Windows)

When you need to quickly upload or download files without a GUI, the **sftp** and **scp** commands are more convenient

### 

### SFTP (interactive)

Connection:

  * `sftp user@IP`

  * If the port is non-standard: `sftp -P 2222 user@IP`




Useful commands inside sftp:

  * `ls` \- list files

  * `cd `\- change directory

  * `pwd` \- current directory

  * `get file.zip` \- download a file

  * `put file.zip` \- upload a file

  * `mkdir dir` \- create a directory

  * `exit` \- exit




![](https://cdn.zomro.com/uploads/blog/a48%40server-panel.net/2026/01/14/screenshot-2026-01-14-155932555_q50.jpg)

### 

### SCP (copying a file/folder)

Download a file from the server:

  * `scp user@IP:/path/to/file.zip ./`




Upload a file to the server:

  * `scp ./file.zip user@IP:/path/to/dir/`




Copy a folder recursively:

  * `scp -r ./site user@IP:/path/to/dir/`




Specify a port:

  * `scp -P 2222 ./file.zip user@IP:/path/to/dir/`




Connect using a key:

  * `scp -i ~/.ssh/id_ed25519 ./file.zip user@IP:/path/to/dir/`




## Practical security recommendations

  1. **Use SFTP instead of FTP.**

  2. Whenever possible, switch to **SSH keys** instead of passwords.

  3. Do not grant access as **root** “for file operations” — create a separate user/account.

  4. Restrict access:

     * by IP (if possible),

     * by directory (for FTP accounts),

     * by minimal permissions (only the required folder).

  5. Store the private key only with the owner (on a PC); do not send it “as is” via chats.




## Common problems and quick fixes

### **Problem:** Connection timed out / Cannot connect

  * Check if the port is open:

    * SFTP/SCP: 22/tcp

    * FTP/FTPS: 21/tcp (and passive ports if required)

  * Make sure the firewall or provider protection is not blocking the connection.




### 

### **Problem:** Authentication failed / Invalid login

  * For **SFTP/SCP** , use an **SSH user**.

  * For **FTP/FTPS** , use the **FTP account** created in the control panel.

  * Make sure the login includes the prefix (for example, `user_...`) if the panel adds one.




### 

### **Problem:** Connects but does not show files / does not upload

A common cause for FTP/FTPS:

  * incorrect transfer mode (Active vs Passive)

  * passive ports are not open




### 

### **Problem:** “Host key changed”

  * This can happen after OS reinstallation or server migration.

  * If you are sure you are connecting to the correct server, remove the old key in the client and confirm the new one.




## Conclusion

  * For secure and stable operation, choose **SFTP** (port 22).

  * **SCP** is an excellent option for one-time copies in the terminal.

  * Use **FTP/FTPS** when compatibility or a separate restricted account is required (and always consider Passive mode and port configuration).




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