---
id: cloud-accounts.sftp-connection-refused-or-times-out
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/cloud-accounts/sftp-connection-refused-or-times-out
category: "Cloud accounts"
subcategory: "FTP and SFTP servers"
question: "My SFTP test connection times out or is refused. What should I check?"
alt_questions:
  - "SFTP connection refused Storage Studio"
  - "SFTP timeout Mac"
  - "Can't connect to my SFTP server"
  - "SSH server unreachable Storage Studio"
  - "SFTP port 22 blocked"
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."
tags: ["sftp", "troubleshooting", "network"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/cloud-accounts/sftp-server-should-be-hostname-only", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/cloud-accounts/test-connection-failed-what-now"]
applies_to: "all"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# My SFTP test connection times out or is refused. What should I check?

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.