Connect to a Server by SFTP as System User

To securely upload and download files to your WordPress site in Pivotlar, we recommend using SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol). Unlike traditional FTP, SFTP encrypts your session and credentials, providing a secure way to manage files within your site’s jailed environment.

This guide walks you through:

• Preparing your system user
• Configuring your SFTP client
• Accessing your site directory securely
• Managing files inside your jailed space

Step 1: Ensure You Have an Active System User #

Before you can connect via SFTP, you’ll need:

• A system user created on your server
• At least one WordPress site assigned to that system user

System users in Pivotlar are jailed — meaning they can only access their own home directory. All site files for that user (including staging and updates) live inside this space.

👉 For guidance on creating system users and assigning them to sites, see:
📘 Managing System Users in Pivotlar

Locate Your Access Credentials #

To connect as a system user via SFTP, you’ll need one of the following:

• A private SSH key
• The user password(if you’ve added to the system user)

Step 2: Configure Your SFTP Client #

You can use any modern SFTP client — such as FileZilla, Transmit (macOS), or Cyberduck. Below are examples for common tools:

General Configuration: #

Setting	Value
Protocol	SFTP
Host	Your server’s IP address
Port	22 (default)
Username	Your system user (e.g. wp_user1)
Authentication	Private SSH Key or Password

---

Example: Transmit (macOS) #

• Protocol: SFTP
• Server: your.server.ip
• Username: wp_user1
• Authentication:
  • Use Key icon to select your private key
  • Or manually enter the user password

Click Connect to access the jailed directory.

Example: FileZilla – SSH Key Login #

1. Open FileZilla → Site Manager
2. Set the following:
   • Protocol: SFTP
   • Host: your.server.ip
   • Logon Type: Key File
   • User: wp_user1
   • Key File: Select your private key
3. Click Connect

Example: FileZilla – Password Login #

1. Open FileZilla → Site Manager
2. Use these settings:
   • Protocol: SFTP
   • Host: your.server.ip
   • Logon Type: Normal
   • User: wp_user1
   • Password: Enter your user password
3. Click Connect

Step 3: Manage Files in Your Jailed Directory #

Once connected, you’ll land in your system user’s home directory, which contains:

• All live sites owned by this user
• Uploads, themes, plugins, and WordPress core files

System users in Pivotlar are sandboxed — they can fully manage files and folders for their own sites but cannot access any other user’s data or directories.

You are free to:

• Upload/download theme and plugin files
• Import/export media and backups
• Edit wp-config.php or .htaccess (if needed)

Summary #

• Use SFTP, not FTP, for secure file management
• Each system user is jailed and can only see their own sites
• Use SSH key or password-based login
• Tools like FileZilla and Transmit make it easy to connect
• Visit the System Users tab to manage credentials

Need Help? #

Reach out to our support team via support@pivotlar.com