SFTP and File Management
SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol) lets you securely access your server's file system from your desktop. Use it to upload mods, edit configuration files, download backups, and manage your game data.
SFTP vs FTP
We only support SFTP, not plain FTP. SFTP encrypts your connection and credentials, while FTP sends everything (including your password) in plain text. If your client asks for a protocol, always choose SFTP.
Finding Your Credentials
Open the Control Panel
Navigate to Game Servers and click Manage on your server.
Go to Settings
Click the Settings tab, then select SFTP from the sidebar.
Copy Your Credentials
You'll see four pieces of information:
| Field | Example Value |
|---|---|
| Host | sftp.galaxynexus.au or your server IP |
| Port | 2022 |
| Username | srv_abc123.12345 |
| Password | (auto-generated) |
You can also generate a new password from this page if needed.
Recommended Clients
| Client | Platform | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| FileZilla | Windows, macOS, Linux | Full-featured, widely documented |
| WinSCP | Windows | Windows-native, built-in text editor |
| Cyberduck | macOS, Windows | Clean UI, cloud storage integration |
| Terminal / CLI | macOS, Linux | Developers comfortable with command line |
Connecting with FileZilla
Open Site Manager
Click File → Site Manager (or press Ctrl + S).
Create a New Site
Click New Site, give it a name like "My Minecraft Server".
Enter Connection Details
- Protocol: SFTP - SSH File Transfer Protocol
- Host: Your server host from the panel
- Port:
2022 - Logon Type: Normal
- User: Your SFTP username
- Password: Your SFTP password
Connect
Click Connect. Accept the host key if prompted. You should now see your server's file system.
Directory Structure
Your server's home directory typically looks like this:
/
├── world/ ← Game world data
├── plugins/ ← Plugins (Paper/Spigot)
├── mods/ ← Mods (Forge/Fabric)
├── config/ ← Plugin and mod config files
├── server.properties ← Main server config
├── whitelist.json ← Player whitelist
├── ops.json ← Operator list
├── bans/ ← Ban records
├── logs/ ← Server logs
└── backups/ ← Manual backup storage
The exact structure varies by game — check your console output on startup for the working directory.
Don't Touch Core Files
Avoid modifying files that the panel manages directly (like startup scripts). Stick to game files, configs, and content directories.
Common Tasks
Uploading Plugins or Mods
- Navigate to
plugins/ormods/on the remote server (right panel) - Find the mod file on your computer (left panel)
- Drag the file from left to right
- Wait for the transfer to complete
- Restart your server from the control panel
Editing Config Files
- Find the config file (e.g.,
plugins/Essentials/config.yml) - Right-click → View/Edit
- Make your changes and save
- Close the editor — FileZilla will re-upload the file
Config Mistakes
A single typo in a config file can prevent your server from starting. Always keep a backup of working configs. Many panels include a "restore defaults" option if something breaks.
Downloading Backups
- Navigate to the
backups/folder (if available) or the game's data directory - Select the files or folders you want to download
- Right-click → Download
- Choose a destination on your computer
Bulk File Operations
You can select multiple files at once with Ctrl + click (Windows/Linux) or Cmd + click (macOS). Drag a selection box around files to select a group.
Connection Troubleshooting
| Issue | Fix |
|---|---|
| "Connection refused" | Check the host and port are correct. Try the IP address instead of the hostname. |
| "Authentication failed" | Verify your username and password. Generate a new password from the panel if needed. |
| "Connection timed out" | Your firewall may be blocking port 2022. Try from a different network. |
| "Host key verification failed" | Your server may have been reinstalled. Remove the old key from your client's known hosts. |
| Transfer keeps failing | Large files may time out. Try uploading in smaller chunks, or zip the files first. |
Keyboard Shortcuts
FileZilla: Ctrl + U upload, Ctrl + D download, F5 refresh. Works across most SFTP clients.