Connect to Your Server by SFTP as pivotlar User

With Pivotlar, you have full access to your server, including SFTP file management. During provisioning, we create a pivotlar system user with sudo privileges. This is your primary user for SFTP access.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to:

• Upload your SSH key to enable SFTP access
• Configure your SFTP client to connect as pivotlar
• Manage files, directories, and permissions across your server

Step 1: Add Your SSH Key via Server Details > SSH Keys #

We do not attach an SSH key to the pivotlar user during server provisioning. To connect via SFTP:

1. Go to the Server Details page in your Pivotlar dashboard
2. Click on the SSH Keys tab
3. Add your public SSH key using the “Add SSH Key” button

Once added, the key will be authorized for the pivotlar user, and you can use it to connect via any SFTP client.

🔐 Password Reminder:
A random password for the pivotlar user will also be emailed to you once provisioning finishes. This can be used as a fallback login method in your SFTP client if you choose password-based login instead of SSH keys.

Step 2: Configure Your SFTP Client #

You can use any SFTP client — we recommend Transmit (macOS) or FileZilla (cross-platform). Here’s how to connect using either:

Transmit (macOS) #

1. Protocol: SFTP
2. Server: your.server.ip
3. Username: pivotlar
4. Port: 22 (default)
5. Authentication: Click the key icon and select your private SSH key

FileZilla (Windows/macOS/Linux) #

1. Protocol: SFTP – SSH File Transfer Protocol
2. Host: your.server.ip
3. Port: 22
4. Logon Type: Key file or Ask for password
5. User: pivotlar
6. Key File: Browse and select your private SSH key (e.g., id_rsa)

💡 If using password auth, enter the pivotlar password you received by email.

Step 3: Manage Server Files as pivotlar #

Once connected, you’ll be logged in as the pivotlar user with access to manage files inside your home directory (/home/pivotlar) and any web project directories you’ve been granted access to.

Need to modify system-level files? Use your terminal with sudo to elevate privileges, or connect over SSH and use su to switch to the root user if necessary.

Summary #

• Add SSH keys under Server Details > SSH Keys
• Connect via SFTP using the pivotlar user
• Use SSH keys or your emailed password
• Use sudo or su via SSH for elevated permissions

⚠️ With great access comes great responsibility — always double-check before modifying server-critical files.

Need Help?  #

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