> 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/storage/hosted-storage.md).
# Hosted Storage
Learn about Couchdrop Hosted Storage that is included in all plans
## Introduction
Couchdrop lets you choose where files are stored.
Most customers connect their existing cloud or on-premises storage and use Couchdrop to securely transfer files directly to and from that location. If you do not want to connect your own storage, every Couchdrop account also includes Couchdrop Hosted Storage.
### How Hosted Storage works
Couchdrop Hosted Storage uses Amazon S3.
Data stored in **Hosted Storage is encrypted using AES-256 via SSE-C from Amazon S3**, which facilitates client-side key-based encryption. Each Couchdrop customer has their own encryption keys, providing separation between customer data.
Hosted Storage is available in five regions:
* **United States**
* **Canada**
* **Australia**
* **Germany**
* **Singapore**
You select the storage region used by your Couchdrop account based on your data residency requirements.
## How to add Hosted Storage
{% hint style="warning" %}
#### Before you start
To create a new Hosted Storage connection, you will need:
* Access to Couchdrop with the appropriate permissions to add storage connections
{% endhint %}
{% stepper %}
{% step %}
### Add a new storage connection
From the Couchdrop web portal, select **Add Connection** and choose **Hosted Storage**.
This creates a new Couchdrop-managed storage location that can be used as a folder within Couchdrop.
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
### Configure Couchdrop Hosted Storage
Configure the new Hosted Storage connection by giving it a name, choosing where it will appear in Couchdrop, and selecting the storage region.
You can also apply **Transfer Shield** to surface or block unexpected, non-compliant, or malicious files uploaded to this connection.
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
### Save and use Hosted Storage
Save the Hosted Storage connection.
The new storage location will appear as a folder in Couchdrop and can be used with Couchdrop features including SFTP users, Mailboxes, Upload Links, and Automations.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}
## Hosted Storage limits
The amount of Hosted Storage included depends on your [Couchdrop plan](https://www.couchdrop.io/pricing).
Additional Hosted Storage can be purchased for **$60 per TB**.
***
## Frequently asked questions
Why use Couchdrop Hosted Storage?
Hosted Storage gives you somewhere to start immediately without configuring a separate storage platform.
It is available as soon as you create a Couchdrop account or [start a trial](https://www.couchdrop.io/register), so you can test SFTP, Mailboxes, Upload Links, Automations, and other Couchdrop features without first connecting SharePoint, Amazon S3, or another storage provider.
Do external users know whether I am using Hosted Storage?
No. Couchdrop uses Virtual Folders to present storage through the same filesystem experience regardless of where the files are actually stored.
For an external user, such as an SFTP user, accessing a folder backed by Couchdrop Hosted Storage works the same way as accessing a folder backed by SharePoint or another connected storage platform.
Can I start with Hosted Storage and move to my own storage later?
Yes. Hosted Storage is useful for getting started quickly, while Couchdrop Virtual Folders let you connect other storage platforms as your setup evolves.
Your users and transfer workflows can continue working through Couchdrop without needing to interact directly with the underlying storage platform.
Do I need to use Couchdrop Hosted Storage?
No. Most customers connect their existing cloud or on-premises storage and use Couchdrop to transfer files directly to and from those locations.
Hosted Storage is available when you want Couchdrop to provide the storage location instead.
Where is Hosted Storage located?
Hosted Storage is available in the United States, Canada, Australia, Germany, and Singapore.\
You can select the region used for your Couchdrop account based on your data residency requirements.
Is data in Hosted Storage encrypted?
Yes. Data stored in Couchdrop Hosted Storage is encrypted using AES-256.\
Each customer uses separate encryption keys for data stored in Hosted Storage.
Can I purchase additional Hosted Storage?
Yes. Additional Hosted Storage can be purchased for $60 per TB.
---
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