---
id: cloud-accounts.switch-sftp-from-password-to-key
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/cloud-accounts/switch-sftp-from-password-to-key
category: "Cloud accounts"
subcategory: "FTP and SFTP servers"
question: "Can I switch an SFTP account from a password to a private key?"
alt_questions:
  - "Change SFTP sign-in method"
  - "Move SFTP account to SSH key"
  - "Edit SFTP authentication"
  - "Replace SFTP password with key"
short_answer: "Yes. Click Edit, switch Sign in with to Private key, choose the key file (and passphrase if needed), save and test. Install the public key on the server first. The nickname and transfers stay the same."
tags: ["sftp", "ssh key", "edit account"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/cloud-accounts/sftp-password-or-private-key", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/cloud-accounts/how-do-i-edit-a-cloud-account"]
applies_to: "all"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# Can I switch an SFTP account from a password to a private key?

Yes. Select the account, click **Edit**, change **Sign in with** to **Private key**, choose the key file with **Browse…** (and enter its passphrase if it has one), then save and click **Test connection**.

Add the matching public key to the server first, or the test will fail. The account keeps its nickname, so transfers that use it carry on unchanged.