# How to Log In to SFTP With an SSH Key

> Add an SSH key to your Beacon account and connect to SFTP without typing your password.

Source: https://www.beaconhosting.org/knowledgebase/how-to-log-in-to-sftp-with-an-ssh-key
Category: Account Management
Last updated: 2026-11-05

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](/account/ssh).
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](/knowledgebase/how-to-configure-an-sftp-client-for-minecraft) for client-specific steps.

## Removing a key

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