How to use SFTP with FileZilla

Rocket.net uses secure, key-based authentication for SFTP access. This method ensures strong encryption and a safer way to manage your site files.

Follow the steps below to connect using any popular SFTP client, such as FileZilla.

Step 1: Generate an SSH Key Pair

To connect securely, you’ll need to generate a key pair on your local device:

1. Open your system’s terminal or command line tool:
    
   • macOS/Linux: Use Terminal
   • Windows: Use Command Prompt or PowerShell
      
2. Run the following command:
   
   ssh-keygen -t rsa
    
3. When prompted:
    
   • Press Enter to accept the default location (usually ~/.ssh/id_rsa or similar)
   • Leave the passphrase empty 
      
4. Once generated, view and copy your public key by running:
   
   cat ~/.ssh/id_rsa.pub
    

Step 2: Add the Public Key to Rocket.net

1. Log in to your Rocket.net Control Panel
    
2. Go to the Advanced tab for your site
    
3. In the SSH Keys section:
    
   • Click “Add Public Key”
      
   • Paste the public key you copied
      
   • Give it a random name (e.g., "My Laptop" or "SSH KEY")
      
   • Click Authorize

Step 3: Set Up Your SFTP Client (e.g., FileZilla)

Now that your key is authorized, it’s time to connect using an SFTP client.

In FileZilla:

1. Go to Edit > Settings > SFTP
    
2. Click Add key file...
    
   • Select the private key file (id_rsa or the file you generated earlier)
      
   • If using FileZilla on Windows, you may need to convert the key to .ppk using PuTTYgen
     
      

3. Go to File > Site Manager and create a new site with:
    
   • Protocol: SFTP – SSH File Transfer Protocol
   • Host: (Your server IP from Rocket.net)
   • Port: 22
   • Logon Type: Normal
   • User: (Your SFTP username)
   • Password:( Leave blank)
      

4. Click Connect to access your site files.

That’s all. If you need help or run into any issues, don’t hesitate to reach out to Rocket.net support. We’re always here to help!