SFTP and SSH access can fail because shell access is disabled for the account, the wrong port is being used, the password is outdated, or a local firewall is blocking the connection.
Common symptoms
- Permission denied immediately after connect
- Connection works for FTP but not SFTP
- You are unsure whether SSH is enabled on the account
Troubleshooting steps
- Confirm your hosting plan includes SSH access and that shell access is enabled for the account.
- Verify the correct hostname, username, and port. SFTP normally uses the SSH service port rather than FTP ports.
- Test the account password through cPanel or webmail to ensure the credentials are current.
- If using keys, confirm the public key is authorized on the server and the client is offering the matching private key.
- Try from another network if your current firewall blocks outbound SSH.
Additional notes
- SFTP is not the same protocol as FTPS and must be configured separately in your client.
- Some providers restrict SSH until account verification is complete.
When to contact support
Contact support if your plan should include shell access but every secure connection attempt is denied.