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How to Use SFTP to Connect to Your WordPress Site

This guide explains how to create SFTP credentials in Kyrios and use them to securely access your WordPress site files.

Updated over 2 months ago

What Is SFTP

SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol) is a secure method for transferring files between your computer and a server.

  • Built on SSH (Secure Shell)

  • Encrypts all data during transfer

  • Safer than standard FTP

  • Commonly used for managing WordPress files

Where to Find SFTP Settings in Kyrios

  1. Go to Sites → WordPress.

  2. Select the WordPress site.

  3. Click Advanced Settings.

  4. Select FTP Access.

What this screen shows
The WordPress site dashboard highlights Advanced Settings and the FTP Access section.

Creating an FTP User

  1. In FTP Access, click Add FTP User.

  2. Enter a username.

  3. Create a secure password.

  4. Click Add FTP User to save.

What this screen shows
The Add FTP User modal has username and password requirements.

Using SFTP Credentials to Connect

After creating an FTP user, Kyrios displays the connection details.

Use the following values in your SFTP client:

  • Host – Server address

  • Port – 21

  • Username – Generated FTP username

  • Password – The password you created

These credentials allow secure access to your WordPress files.

What this screen shows
The FTP Access details screen displays Host, Port, and Username, with options to reset or delete the FTP user.

Recommended SFTP Clients

You can use any SFTP-compatible client. Common options include:

  • FileZilla (Free – macOS, Windows)

  • WinSCP (Free – Windows)

  • Cyberduck (Free – macOS, Windows)

  • FlashFXP (Premium – Windows)

  • Transmit (Premium – macOS)

Resetting or Removing FTP Access

From FTP Access, you can:

  • Reset the FTP user password

  • Delete an FTP user entirely

  • Create multiple FTP users with unique credentials

Each FTP user has their own username and password.

Common Issues and Fixes

Access denied error
Verify the host, username, password, and port. Reset credentials if needed.

Unable to connect
Confirm your client is using SFTP and not standard FTP.

Forgot password
Use Reset Password in the FTP Access section.

FAQ

What is SFTP, and how does it work?

SFTP is a secure file transfer method that encrypts data using SSH, protecting files during transmission.

How do I enable SFTP for my WordPress site?

Go to Sites → WordPress → Advanced Settings → FTP Access and create an FTP user.

Can I reset my SFTP credentials?

Yes. You can reset the password or delete and recreate the FTP user at any time.

Are SFTP credentials shared across users?

No. Each FTP user has unique credentials for individual access control.

Is there a file size limit when using SFTP?

SFTP generally allows larger uploads than the WordPress Media Library and is recommended for large files, plugins, or themes.

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