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Fast, Reliable File Transfers with SFTP

The built-in File Manager is perfect for quick edits and small uploads, but when you need to transfer an entire modpack, download a full world backup, or manage hundreds of files at once, SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol) is the way to go. SFTP works like a direct pipeline between your computer and your game server. It is encrypted, fast, supports resuming interrupted transfers, and can handle files of any size. Think of it as the difference between carrying groceries one bag at a time (File Manager) versus loading up the whole car at once (SFTP).

Difficulty

Beginner

Time

10 Minutes

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What Is SFTP and Why Use It?

SFTP stands for SSH File Transfer Protocol. It is a secure method of transferring files between your local computer and a remote server over an encrypted connection. Every file you send or receive is protected in transit — nobody can intercept or tamper with your data.

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When to Use SFTP Instead of the File Manager

ScenarioBest Tool
Quick edit to a config fileFile Manager
Upload a single plugin JARFile Manager
Upload an entire modpack (100+ files)SFTP
Download a full world backupSFTP
Transfer files larger than 100 MBSFTP
Manage files across multiple foldersSFTP
Resume an interrupted uploadSFTP
Bottom line: Use the File Manager for small, quick tasks. Use SFTP when you are moving lots of data or large files.

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Finding Your SFTP Credentials

Your SFTP connection details are displayed in two places within the Game Panel: the Dashboard page of your server and the Settings tab. Both show the same information.
1

Log In to the Game Panel

Go to games.freakhosting.com and log in with your account credentials.
2

Select Your Server

Click on the server you want to connect to from the server list.
3

Find the SFTP Details

On the server Dashboard (or under the Settings tab), look for the SFTP Details section. You will see:
  • Server Address: sftp://n20.freakhosting.com:2022 (your node and port)
  • Username: freak0705.41298f70 (your account username plus server ID)
Below the credentials, a note confirms: “Your SFTP password is the same as the password you use to access this panel.”
Your SFTP password is the same password you use to log into the Game Panel at games.freakhosting.com. There is no separate SFTP password to remember.
Let us break down what each piece of information means so you know exactly what to enter in your SFTP client:
FieldExample ValueWhat It Is
Hostn20.freakhosting.comThe server node your game server runs on
Port2022The SFTP port (not the default 22)
Usernamefreak0705.41298f70Your panel username, a dot, then your server’s unique ID
Password(your panel password)The same password you log into the Game Panel with
Note the port is 2022, not the standard SSH port 22. If you leave the port blank or use 22, the connection will fail. Always double-check this field.

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Connecting with FileZilla

FileZilla is the most popular free SFTP client. It runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux. If you do not have it yet, download it from filezilla-project.org.
1

Open FileZilla

Launch FileZilla on your computer. You will see the main window with a Quickconnect bar at the top containing four fields: Host, Username, Password, and Port.
2

Enter Your Connection Details

Fill in the Quickconnect bar with your SFTP credentials:
FieldValue
Hostsftp://n20.freakhosting.com
Usernamefreak0705.41298f70
PasswordYour Game Panel password
Port2022
You can enter the host as either sftp://n20.freakhosting.com (with the protocol prefix) or just n20.freakhosting.com — FileZilla accepts both. If you omit the sftp:// prefix, FileZilla will auto-detect the protocol based on the port.
3

Click Quickconnect

Click the Quickconnect button. FileZilla attempts to connect to your game server.
4

Accept the Host Key (First Time Only)

On your first connection, FileZilla will display a dialog about an unknown host key. This is normal — it is verifying the server’s identity. Check “Always trust this host” if you want to skip this prompt in the future, then click OK.
5

You Are Connected

Once connected, the right side of FileZilla shows your game server’s files and the left side shows your local computer’s files. You can now drag and drop files between the two sides to upload or download.

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Saving Your Connection in FileZilla

Tired of typing your credentials every time? Save them in the Site Manager:
  1. Go to File > Site Manager (or press Ctrl + S).
  2. Click New Site and give it a name like “FREAKHOSTING - Minecraft.”
  3. Set Protocol to SFTP - SSH File Transfer Protocol.
  4. Enter the Host (n20.freakhosting.com), Port (2022), User, and Password.
  5. Set Logon Type to Normal.
  6. Click Connect to save and connect immediately, or OK to save for later.
Next time, just open the Site Manager and double-click your saved server.

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Connecting with WinSCP

WinSCP is another popular SFTP client for Windows with a familiar two-panel file explorer interface. Download it from winscp.net.
1

Open WinSCP

Launch WinSCP. The Login dialog appears automatically.
2

Enter Your Connection Details

Fill in the login form:
FieldValue
File protocolSFTP
Host namen20.freakhosting.com
Port number2022
User namefreak0705.41298f70
PasswordYour Game Panel password
3

Save the Session (Optional)

Click Save to store the connection for future use. Give it a memorable name like “FREAKHOSTING Game Server.” Check Save password if you do not want to type it each time (WinSCP encrypts stored passwords).
4

Click Login

Click Login to connect. On the first connection, WinSCP will ask you to verify the server’s host key — click Yes to accept.
5

Transfer Files

WinSCP opens a two-panel view: your local files on the left, your server files on the right. Drag files between the panels to upload or download, or use the Upload and Download buttons in the toolbar.

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Using the Launch SFTP Button

The Game Panel includes a convenient Launch SFTP button in the SFTP Details section. Clicking this button attempts to open your default SFTP client (FileZilla, WinSCP, or another installed application) and automatically pre-fills the connection details for you.
1

Find the Launch SFTP Button

On your server’s Dashboard or Settings tab, look for the Launch SFTP button in the SFTP Details section.
2

Click the Button

Click Launch SFTP. Your operating system will try to open the sftp:// link with your default SFTP application.
3

Enter Your Password

Your SFTP client opens with the host, port, and username already filled in. You only need to enter your password (the same one you use for the Game Panel) and click Connect.
For the Launch SFTP button to work, you need an SFTP client installed on your computer that is registered as the handler for sftp:// links. FileZilla and WinSCP both register themselves during installation. If clicking the button does nothing, manually copy the connection details and connect using the steps above.

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Practical SFTP Tasks

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Upload an Entire Modpack Folder

1

Connect via SFTP

Open FileZilla or WinSCP and connect to your server using the credentials above.
2

Navigate to the Server Root

On the server side (right panel in FileZilla), make sure you are in the root directory of your game server.
3

Navigate Locally to the Modpack

On the local side (left panel), browse to the folder on your computer where the modpack files are stored.
4

Drag and Drop

Select all the modpack files and folders on the left, then drag them to the server side on the right. FileZilla queues all the files and transfers them in order. You can see the progress in the transfer queue at the bottom.
5

Restart Your Server

Once the transfer is complete, go back to the Game Panel and restart your server. The modpack loads on the next boot.

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Download a Backup of Your World

1

Connect via SFTP

Open your SFTP client and connect to the server.
2

Locate the World Folder

On the server side, find the world folder — typically named world for Minecraft, or whatever your server’s world directory is called.
3

Choose a Local Destination

On the local side, navigate to where you want to save the backup (for example, a Backups folder on your desktop).
4

Download the Folder

Drag the entire world folder from the server side to the local side. Your SFTP client downloads every file and subfolder, preserving the directory structure.
For large world folders, SFTP’s ability to resume interrupted transfers is invaluable. If your internet connection drops mid-transfer, just reconnect and resume — FileZilla will pick up right where it left off.

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Troubleshooting

The most common causes are:
  • Wrong port: Make sure you are using port 2022, not 22. This is the most frequent mistake.
  • Wrong host: Double-check the server address from your SFTP Details section. It should match your server’s node (for example, n20.freakhosting.com).
  • Server is offline: If your game server is stopped, SFTP may not be available. Start the server from the Game Panel first.
  • Firewall blocking the connection: Some corporate or school networks block non-standard ports. Try from a different network or ask your network administrator.
Remember, your SFTP password is the same as your Game Panel login password. Common fixes:
  • Check for typos: Copy-paste the username from the SFTP Details section to avoid mistakes.
  • Username format: Make sure you are using the full username including the dot and server ID (for example, freak0705.41298f70), not just your panel username.
  • Recently changed your password? Use your new Game Panel password — SFTP credentials update automatically when you change your panel password.
Try these steps in order:
  1. Verify the host, port (2022), username, and password are correct.
  2. In FileZilla, go to Edit > Settings > Connection > FTP and make sure Active mode is not forced — SFTP does not use FTP modes.
  3. Try connecting with the protocol prefix: enter the host as sftp://n20.freakhosting.com.
  4. Temporarily disable your local firewall or antivirus to test if they are blocking the connection.
SFTP transfer speed depends on your internet connection and the server’s current load. A few things to try:
  • In FileZilla, go to Edit > Settings > Transfers and increase the Maximum simultaneous transfers from 2 to 5 or 10. This downloads multiple files in parallel.
  • For very large transfers, compress the files into a single archive first, upload the archive, then extract it on the server using the File Manager.
  • If you are on WiFi, try a wired Ethernet connection for more stable speeds.
Your computer needs an SFTP client installed that handles sftp:// links. Install FileZilla or WinSCP, and during installation, make sure the option to register as the default SFTP handler is checked. If the client is already installed but the button still does not work, manually copy the connection details and connect from within your SFTP client.

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Need Extra Help?

If you encounter any issues, our support team is ready to assist:

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Last Updated: March 2026 | Game Panel Support: SFTP file transfers simplified.