How to Log In to SFTP With an SSH Key

Instead of your password, you can log in to SFTP with an SSH key. It's safer and saves typing it each time.

1. Make a key (if you don't have one)

On Windows, macOS or Linux, open a terminal and run:

ssh-keygen -t ed25519

Press Enter to accept the default location. This makes a private key (id_ed25519) and a public key (id_ed25519.pub). Only ever share the .pub one.

2. Add the public key to your account

1. Log in and open Account → SSH keys.
2. Click Add SSH key.
3. Give it a Key name, such as "Work laptop".
4. Paste the contents of id_ed25519.pub, or Upload the file.
5. Save.

The key works for every server you can access.

3. Connect

Get the Server Address and Username from your server's Settings page, under SFTP Access. In your SFTP client (FileZilla, WinSCP, Cyberduck):

• Protocol: SFTP
• Host and Port: from SFTP Access
• Username: from SFTP Access
• Authentication: key file, pointing at your private key

See How to Configure an SFTP Client for client-specific steps.

Removing a key

Delete keys you no longer use from SSH keys, for example when you replace a computer.