How to Use SFTP on iPhone
Need to grab a log, edit a config, or drop a file onto a server — from your phone? SFTP makes it a thirty-second job. Here is how it works and how to set it up.
SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol) lets you move files to and from a server over the same secure, encrypted connection you use for SSH. On an iPhone that means you can browse a remote server's folders, upload and download, and edit text files in place — no laptop required, and nothing sent in clear text.
SFTP vs FTP — use SFTP
They sound similar but are not the same. Plain FTP sends your username, password and files unencrypted — anyone on the network can read them. SFTP runs over SSH, so everything is encrypted end to end. Unless you have a very specific legacy reason, always use SFTP.
Setting it up on your iPhone
You only need three things:
- An SSH/SFTP app. A client with SFTP built in so transfers and the terminal live in one place.
- Your server details. Host or IP, username, and either a password or — better — an SSH key stored in the iOS Keychain.
- A connection. Connect over your network, or over a VPN like WireGuard or Tailscale when you're away from home.
Once connected, browse to the file you need and tap to download, or upload from your iPhone's Files app. Editing a small config like nginx.conf is as quick as opening it, making the change, and saving — it writes straight back to the server.
Our pick: Kestrel
We build Kestrel, an SSH and server manager for iPhone, Mac and Windows with SFTP built in — so you can open a terminal and transfer files from the same app, with your servers and keys synced across every device. Keys live in the iOS Keychain behind Face ID, and there is a free tier to start.
SFTP from your iPhone
Terminal and file transfer in one app, synced to your Mac and PC.
Frequently asked questions
Can you use SFTP on an iPhone?
Yes — an SFTP-capable app lets you browse, upload, download and edit a server's files from iOS over an encrypted connection.
What's the difference between SFTP and FTP?
SFTP runs over SSH and encrypts everything; plain FTP sends your password and files in clear text. Always prefer SFTP.
Do I need a separate app for SFTP?
No — a good SSH client like Kestrel includes SFTP, so the terminal and file transfer live in one place.