How to Connect to Your Game Server with SFTP

The File Manager in the RiverHosting panel is great for quick changes, but sometimes you need to move a lot of files at once. SFTP lets you connect to your game server from a free app on your computer, so you can browse, upload and download files like a normal folder. This guide shows you where to find your SFTP details and how to use them.

Before you start

• You need access to your server in the RiverHosting panel.
• You need an SFTP app on your computer. FileZilla or WinSCP are recommended.
• SFTP stands for Secure File Transfer Protocol. It is simply a safe way for an app on your computer to talk to the files on your server.
• If you were invited as a subuser, your account needs the Files permission (it includes SFTP) for this to work.

1. How to find your SFTP details in the panel

1. Log in to the RiverHosting panel and open your server.
2. In the left-hand menu, under SYSTEM, click Settings.
3. Scroll to the SFTP Details section.
4. Note the SERVER ADDRESS. It is shown as host:port. The part before the colon is the host, and the number after the colon is the port.
5. Note the USERNAME.

Your password is the same password you use to log in to the panel. There is no separate SFTP password.

2. How to connect with FileZilla or WinSCP

1. Open FileZilla or WinSCP on your computer.
2. Choose to create a new connection and select SFTP as the protocol.
3. Enter the host from your SERVER ADDRESS (the part before the colon).
4. Enter the port from your SERVER ADDRESS (the number after the colon).
5. Enter your USERNAME exactly as shown in the panel.
6. Enter your panel account password.
7. Click Connect.

Once connected, you will see your server files. You can drag files between your computer and the server, just like moving files between folders.

3. How to work safely with your files

1. Before changing important files, create a copy in the panel. Go to Backups and click Create Backup.
2. Upload or replace only the files you need.
3. If you uploaded an archive such as a .zip, go to Files in the panel, open the menu for that item and click Unarchive. Archives that end in .rar are not supported.
4. Go to the Console page and click Restart so your server loads the changes.

Troubleshooting

• Login failed or wrong password: Use your RiverHosting panel password. If you signed up with a social login, click Set a password in the SFTP Details section first.
• Cannot connect: Check that you entered the host and the port separately and that they match the SERVER ADDRESS in Settings.
• Username not accepted: Copy the USERNAME from the SFTP Details section instead of typing it by hand.
• You are a subuser and cannot connect: Ask the server owner to turn on the Files permission for you on the Users page.
• Cannot see a folder you expect: Click Refresh in your SFTP app, or check the Files page in the panel to compare.

Need help?

If you still cannot connect, our team is happy to help. Visit our support page and send us a ticket.