How to use SFTP with your game server

SFTP lets you connect to your game server’s files from your computer using a program like FileZilla or WinSCP. It’s the easiest way to upload, download, and manage files on your server-especially when you’re working with bigger files.

For quick edits or small uploads, the Files tab in our game panel works just fine. For anything larger, or when you’re moving a lot of files at once, you’ll want to use SFTP instead. Simply follow our steps below.

Why use SFTP instead of the web panel?

The Files tab in the game panel has a 1 GB per file upload limit. If you’re trying to install a large mod pack, upload a world backup, or move any other big file, the web uploader won’t accept it.

We keep that limit in place for performance and security reasons-large browser uploads can slow things down and put extra strain on the panel. SFTP doesn’t have that same restriction, and it’s generally faster and more reliable for bigger transfers too.

For mods, plugins, backups, and world files, we recommend using SFTP whenever you can.

We recommend these free programs:

ProgramPlatformDownload
FileZillaWindows, macOS, Linuxhttps://filezilla-project.org
WinSCPWindowshttps://winscp.net

You’re welcome to use any SFTP program you’re comfortable with-Cyberduck and VS Code are popular alternatives. Just make sure it supports SFTP, not regular FTP. They’re different protocols and regular FTP won’t work with our servers.

Step 1. Login to our game panel

Step 2. Select the game server you want to connect to

Step 3. Click the “Files” tab

At the top of the page you’ll see your SFTP connection details-your server address, username, and port (usually 2022). Your SFTP password is the same password you use to log in to the game panel.

Each game server has its own SFTP username. If you manage multiple servers, make sure you’re using the credentials shown on the Files tab for the server you’re working on.

Step 4. Connect with FileZilla

  1. Open FileZilla
  2. Go to File → Site Manager (or press Ctrl+S)
  3. Click New Site and give it a name (e.g. “My ApexNode Server”)
  4. Set Protocol to SFTP - SSH File Transfer Protocol
  5. Enter your Host (server address from the panel)
  6. Enter Port (from the panel, usually 2022)
  7. Set Logon Type to Normal
  8. Enter your User and Password from the panel
  9. Click Connect

Your local files will show up on the left and your server files on the right. From there you can drag and drop files to upload or download them.

Step 5. Connect with WinSCP

  1. Open WinSCP
  2. Set File protocol to SFTP
  3. Enter your Host name (server address from the panel)
  4. Enter Port number (from the panel, usually 2022)
  5. Enter your User name and Password from the panel
  6. Click Login
  7. If you’re asked about the server host key, click Yes to trust and save it

Same as FileZilla-your local files are on the left, server files on the right. Drag and drop to transfer.

A few things to keep in mind

  • Stop your server before replacing files that are in use (like swapping out a mod or plugin .jar), then start it back up when you’re done.
  • Make sure you’re uploading to the right folder for your game (e.g. mods, plugins, worlds). If you’re not sure, check our game guides.
  • Files over 1 GB need to go through SFTP-the web panel uploader can’t handle them.
  • Having trouble connecting? Double-check the server address, port, username, and password on the Files tab for the correct server.