> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.couchdrop.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.couchdrop.io/managed-file-transfer/sftp/inbound-sftp-connections.md).

# Inbound SFTP connections

Learn about using Couchdrop as an alternative to traditional SFTP servers

## How it works

Couchdrop acts as an SFTP server to deploy hyper-scale, secure, cloud-hosted SFTP endpoints that connect directly to your existing storage without deploying or maintaining SFTP infrastructure.

Your cloud SFTP service and endpoint are enabled automatically when you first set up your Couchdrop account. To use it, [**create an SFTP user**](/managed-file-transfer/sftp/create-sftp-users.md) and assign their home folder, also known as [**root directory**](/administration/user-and-group-management/root-directory.md).

The root directory determines which files and folders the user can access. It can point to [Couchdrop hosted storage](/storage/hosted-storage.md) or [cloud and on-prem storage connected to Couchdrop](/storage/overview.md).

## Connection details

Couchdrop uses the default ports for SFTP and a unique hostname for your tenant.

| Parameter      | Value                      |
| -------------- | -------------------------- |
| Hostname       | \<yourdomain>.couchdrop.io |
| Port           | 22                         |
| Authentication | Password or SSH key        |

## How to connect to Couchdrop using SFTP

{% hint style="warning" %}

#### Before you start

To connect to Couchdrop using SFTP, you will need:

* An SFTP username and password, or username and SSH key
* Your Couchdrop hostname
* An SFTP client, application, or system that supports SFTP

If you do not have a user yet, see [**Create an SFTP User**](/managed-file-transfer/sftp/create-sftp-users.md).
{% endhint %}

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Open your SFTP client or application

This could be a standalone SFTP client, such as FileZilla or Cyberduck, or an SFTP connection configured within another product, service, or platform, such as NetSuite or Salesforce.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Enter your Couchdrop SFTP credentials

Enter the connection details for your Couchdrop SFTP user:

* Your Couchdrop hostname
* Your SFTP username
* Your password or SSH key
  {% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Connect via SFTP

Start the connection from your SFTP client or application. Once authenticated, you'll be connected to Couchdrop and can begin transferring files.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

{% hint style="info" %}

#### Host key authentication

If your client requires SSH host key verification, use the host key details shown below.
{% endhint %}

## Host key authentication

Couchdrop provides a public host key that can be used to verify the authenticity of the endpoint you are connecting to. This key is static and we do not expect it to change in the future.

**The host key for all Couchdrop endpoints**

```
AAAAB3NzaC1yc2EAAAADAQABAAAAgQCFzDO6AiZhK4ks4Bz/VBysjB3fpExCfOmy2EuI2gXJDYgom4nvZK4eEEgHRrkNoRUww4RJ7CTRKKXWodP7OthQw2AfppgBfR8dUK3zYdp/IClqTZ0+yxk72lLV9k8HwbtalOEzlJNc6AKlAkDi+WtG8RRZbJeaQZf3pe0k6oa7yQ==
```

## Common issues and errors

<details>

<summary>Authentication failed</summary>

Confirm that the username is correct and that the user has a valid password or SSH public key configured.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Connection refused or timed out</summary>

Confirm that your network allows outbound SFTP connections over port 22 and that you are connecting to the correct Couchdrop hostname.

</details>

<details>

<summary>User cannot see the expected files or folders</summary>

Check the user's folder permissions and Virtual Folder configuration, and confirm that the underlying storage connection is available.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Permission denied when uploading or modifying files</summary>

Check that the user has write access to the relevant folder and that the connected storage permits the requested operation.

</details>

## Frequently asked questions

<details>

<summary><strong>Do I need to run my own SFTP server?</strong></summary>

No. Couchdrop provides the SFTP endpoint as a hosted service, so you do not need to deploy or maintain SFTP server infrastructure.

</details>

<details>

<summary><strong>Can Couchdrop connect to another SFTP server?</strong></summary>

Yes. Couchdrop can also connect to [external SFTP servers](/managed-file-transfer/sftp/connect-to-external-sftp-servers-and-endpoints.md) for file transfers and workflows.

</details>

<details>

<summary><strong>Can Couchdrop replace a self-hosted SFTP server?</strong></summary>

Yes. Couchdrop can act as the hosted SFTP server while using Couchdrop hosted storage or your existing connected storage.

</details>

<details>

<summary><strong>Can SFTP connect directly to cloud storage?</strong></summary>

Yes. Couchdrop can provide SFTP access to connected cloud and on-premises storage, so users can work with files over SFTP without accessing the underlying storage platform directly.

</details>

<details>

<summary><strong>Can I use SFTP with Google Drive, Dropbox, or SharePoint?</strong></summary>

Yes. Couchdrop can connect SFTP users to [supported storage platforms](/storage/integrations.md) such as Google Drive, Dropbox, and SharePoint.

</details>

<details>

<summary><strong>Can SFTP transfers be automated?</strong></summary>

Yes. Couchdrop can use SFTP connections within [automated file transfer workflows](/automations/overview.md).

</details>