Guide to Uploading Files to a VPS via SFTP (Using GUI Software)
SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol) is a secure method for transferring files between your computer and a VPS. Unlike traditional FTP, SFTP operates over the SSH protocol, encrypting all transmitted data. In this guide, we will use GUI-based software to make uploading files to a VPS simple and efficient.
1. Recommended SFTP Software
Here are three popular SFTP clients that support both Windows and MacOS:
- FileZilla (Free, cross-platform)
- WinSCP (Windows only)
- Termius (Cross-platform: Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, Android. Supports password saving and SSH keys.)
2. Connecting to a VPS via SFTP
By default, SSH and SFTP use port 22. You need the following information to connect:
- Host: Your VPS IP address
- Username: Your login account (usually root or another user with access)
- Password: Your SSH password
- Port: 22 (or your custom SSH port if changed)
2.1. Connecting via FileZilla
- Open FileZilla
- Go to File → Site Manager
- Click New Site and name the connection
- Under Protocol, select SFTP – SSH File Transfer Protocol
- Enter the following details:
- Host: Your VPS IP
- Username: e.g., root
- Password: Your VPS password
- Port: 22
- Click Connect
Once connected, you can drag and drop files from your computer to the VPS.
2.2. Connecting via WinSCP (Windows)
- Open WinSCP
- In the Session window, set File Protocol to SFTP
- Enter your VPS details:
- Host name: Your VPS IP
- User name: root or another user
- Password: Your SSH password
- Port number: 22
- Click Login
Once connected, WinSCP displays two panels:
- The left panel shows your local computer
- The right panel shows your VPS
You can drag and drop files to upload them quickly.
2.3. Connecting via Termius (Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, Android)
- Open Termius
- Click Add New Host to create a new connection
- Enter your VPS details:
- Host: Your VPS IP
- Username: root or another user
- Password: Your SSH password (or use an SSH key if applicable)
- Port: 22
- Enable the SFTP option
- Click Save, then select the connection to access your VPS
- In the SFTP interface, you can drag and drop files to upload them or download files from your VPS
3. Handling Custom SSH Ports
If you have changed your SSH port (e.g., to 2222), update the Port field accordingly:
- In FileZilla, enter the new port (e.g., 2222) in the Port field
- In WinSCP, enter the new port in the Port number field before clicking Login
- In Termius, edit the connection details and enter the new port in the Port field
4. Important Notes
- If you experience connection issues, check whether your VPS firewall (ufw or iptables) is blocking the SSH/SFTP port.
- If your VPS only allows authentication via SSH keys instead of passwords, configure your SFTP client to use the correct Private Key file (.pem or .ppk).
- Termius supports data synchronization across multiple devices, making it highly useful for those working across different platforms.
This guide ensures you can safely and easily upload files to your VPS using SFTP. If you frequently work with VPS servers, FileZilla, WinSCP, and Termius are excellent tools for efficient file management.