---
id: cloud-accounts.sftp-password-or-private-key
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/cloud-accounts/sftp-password-or-private-key
category: "Cloud accounts"
subcategory: "FTP and SFTP servers"
question: "Should I sign in to SFTP with a password or a private key?"
alt_questions:
  - "SFTP key authentication Storage Studio"
  - "Use SSH key for SFTP in Storage Studio"
  - "Password vs key SFTP"
  - "Sign in with private key option"
  - "Which SFTP sign-in method is safer?"
short_answer: "A private key is usually stronger if your server supports it; a password is fine otherwise. Choose with Sign in with in the SFTP form. Key files (OpenSSH or PEM) stay on your Mac and are never uploaded."
tags: ["sftp", "ssh key", "security"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/cloud-accounts/how-do-i-add-an-sftp-server", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/cloud-accounts/how-do-i-pick-an-ssh-key-file", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/cloud-accounts/password-strength-meter-explained"]
applies_to: "all"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# Should I sign in to SFTP with a password or a private key?

A private key is generally the stronger choice if your server supports it; a password is fine if that's what your host gives you. Pick one with the **Sign in with** switch in the SFTP form.

- **Password** — type it in; the strength meter must reach at least *Fair* before you can save.
- **Private key** — click **Browse…** to choose your key file. Standard OpenSSH key files and PEM files both work. If the key is protected with a passphrase, type it in the field below.

With a key, the key file stays on your Mac and is read from there on each connection — it's never uploaded anywhere.