How to Configure an SFTP Client for Minecraft

SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol) lets you securely transfer files between your computer and your Minecraft server. You can use SFTP to upload plugins and mods, download logs and backups, edit configuration files, and manage server files without using the web-based file manager.

Beacon Hosting provides SFTP access through the server's SFTP Access settings.

What Is SFTP?

SFTP is a secure file-transfer protocol that runs over an encrypted connection.

For Minecraft servers, SFTP is useful when you need to transfer many files or manage your server from a desktop application.

Common uses include:

• Uploading plugins and JAR files
• Uploading mods and modpacks
• Managing world files
• Editing configuration files
• Downloading server logs
• Downloading server files
• Moving files between your computer and your server

SFTP is different from regular FTP. Use SFTP when connecting to a Beacon Hosting Minecraft server.

Step 1: Choose an SFTP Client

You need an SFTP client to connect to your server.

Popular options include:

• FileZilla — Windows, macOS, and Linux
• WinSCP — Windows
• Cyberduck — Windows and macOS

The exact interface differs between applications, but the connection details are essentially the same.

Step 2: Get Your SFTP Credentials

Log in to Beacon Hosting.

Beacon Hosting Login

Then:

1. Open Your Servers.
2. Select your Minecraft server.
3. Open Settings.
4. Find the SFTP Access card.

Your SFTP settings include:

Server Address

The Server Address is displayed in the form:

sftp://host:port

This contains both the hostname and port required to connect.

Username

Your SFTP username is displayed in the panel in a format similar to:

email@example.com:server-id

Copy the entire username, including the :server-id portion.

Password

Your SFTP password is a dedicated SFTP token.

It is not your Beacon Hosting account password.

Generate an SFTP Token

If you do not already have an SFTP token, select Generate SFTP token.

Copy the token when it is displayed. The token is only shown once.

If you lose the token, use Roll new token to generate a replacement.

Treat your SFTP token like a password. Do not share it publicly or include it in screenshots, tutorials, or support requests.

Step 3: Configure Your SFTP Client

Open your SFTP client and create a new connection.

Use the details shown under Settings → SFTP Access.

Connection Settings

Set:

• Protocol: SFTP
• Host: the hostname from Server Address
• Port: the port shown in Server Address
• Username: the complete value from the Username field
• Password: your SFTP token

For example, if your Server Address is:

sftp://example.beaconhosting.org:2022

then enter:

Host: example.beaconhosting.org
Port: 2022

Do not enter the entire sftp://host:port string into the Host field unless your particular SFTP client specifically supports that format.

The port is commonly 2022, but always use the port displayed for your server.

Step 4: Connect to Your Server

After entering the connection details, connect to the server.

Your SFTP client may display a host-key or fingerprint confirmation the first time you connect.

Once the connection succeeds, you should see your Minecraft server's files and directories.

You can then transfer files between your computer and the server.

What Can You Do With SFTP?

Once connected, you can manage many of the files used by your Minecraft server.

Upload Plugins

Upload plugin JAR files to the appropriate plugin directory, such as:

/plugins

Restart the server after installing a plugin if required.

Upload Mods

For supported modded servers, upload compatible mod files to:

/mods

Make sure the mod matches your Minecraft version and server's mod loader.

Edit Configuration Files

You can download configuration files, edit them locally, and upload the modified versions.

Common examples include:

server.properties

and plugin or mod configuration files.

Always make sure the server is stopped when editing files where concurrent changes could cause conflicts.

Download Logs

SFTP can be useful for downloading server logs for troubleshooting.

For example, you may need to download:

/logs/latest.log

You can then inspect the file locally or provide relevant sections when troubleshooting a server problem.

Manage Worlds

World folders can contain a large number of files, making SFTP particularly useful for transferring them.

Before replacing or modifying world files, stop the Minecraft server and create a backup.

Can I Use SFTP Instead of the Beacon File Manager?

Yes. SFTP provides another way to manage server files.

The Beacon Hosting Files interface is convenient for making individual changes through your browser, while SFTP is particularly useful for transferring large numbers of files or managing files from your computer.

You do not need SFTP for normal server administration.

Can I Use an SSH Key Instead of an SFTP Token?

If your host supports SSH public-key authentication, you can use an SSH key instead of password-based authentication.

Beacon Hosting allows SSH keys to be added through:

Account → SSH Keys

You can then configure your SFTP client to use the appropriate private key.

Keep your private SSH key secure and never upload or share the private key with anyone.

SFTP Troubleshooting

I cannot connect to my server

Check the following:

1. Make sure the protocol is SFTP, not FTP or FTPS.
2. Verify the Host matches the hostname in Server Address.
3. Verify the Port matches the value shown in Server Address.
4. Copy the complete Username from SFTP Access.
5. Make sure you are using your SFTP token, not your Beacon Hosting account password.
6. Generate a new token if your existing token has been lost or invalidated.

I entered sftp://... as the host and it does not work

Some clients expect the Host and Port to be entered separately.

For example:

Server Address: sftp://example.beaconhosting.org:2022

should normally be entered as:

Host: example.beaconhosting.org
Port: 2022

My SFTP connection suddenly stopped working

Check whether your server is undergoing maintenance or another operation that temporarily affects file access.

SFTP may also be temporarily unavailable while the server is being transferred between nodes or while a backup is being created or restored.

Wait for the operation to finish and try connecting again.

I uploaded a plugin but it does not appear to work

Check that:

• The plugin is in the correct directory.
• The plugin supports your Minecraft version.
• The plugin supports your server software.
• Any required dependencies are installed.
• The server was restarted after installation.
• The console does not show plugin errors.

Uploading a JAR file alone does not guarantee that a plugin is compatible with your server.

SFTP Security Best Practices

Your SFTP credentials provide access to your server files, so keep them secure.

Follow these practices:

• Never share your SFTP token.
• Do not post your token in screenshots.
• Do not commit SFTP credentials to Git repositories.
• Use SSH keys when appropriate.
• Roll your SFTP token if you believe it has been exposed.
• Keep your SFTP client updated.
• Create backups before making major file changes.

Quick Answer

To configure an SFTP client for a Beacon Hosting Minecraft server:

1. Open Your Servers.
2. Select your Minecraft server.
3. Go to Settings → SFTP Access.
4. Copy the Server Address, Username, and SFTP token.
5. Set your client to SFTP.
6. Enter the hostname and port from Server Address.
7. Enter the complete SFTP username.
8. Enter your SFTP token as the password.
9. Connect.

SFTP is useful for transferring plugins, mods, worlds, configuration files, logs, and other Minecraft server files.

Why Use Beacon Hosting for Minecraft Hosting?

Beacon Hosting provides browser-based server management alongside SFTP access, giving you both a simple web interface and a traditional file-transfer workflow.

Beacon Hosting supports Minecraft Java and Bedrock, NVMe storage, DDoS protection, and plans starting from $1/GB. You can also try a server for 2 days without providing a card.

Start Your Minecraft Server