Cloud accounts · FTP and SFTP servers
My SFTP test connection times out or is refused. What should I check?
Short answer: Check the Server and Port, that the server runs SFTP, and that you can reach it from your network (you may need its VPN). Timeouts usually mean a firewall; refusals mean nothing's listening on that port.
Check the address, the port and whether the server is reachable from where you are. A refusal usually means nothing is listening on that port; a timeout usually means a firewall or network is dropping the connection.
- Confirm Server and Port (22 unless your host says otherwise).
- Check the server is running SFTP, not only FTP.
- If the server is at home or work, you may need to be on that network or its VPN.
- Make sure no firewall on the server or router blocks the port.
- If it connects but then fails, recheck Username and the password or key.
Click Copy error on the red result to keep the exact message for your host or for support.