SFTP by Zapier connects your SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol) server to Zapier for automated file management. You can trigger Zaps when files are added or updated on your server, and upload or download files between your SFTP server and other apps.
Prerequisites
To use the SFTP by Zapier app on Zapier, you must have:
- An SFTP server with remote access enabled.
- SFTP server credentials: hostname (or IP address), port number, username, and password or SSH private key.
- Network access to your SFTP server from Zapier's IP addresses. If your server is behind a firewall, you may need to allowlist Zapier's IP addresses.
Find your SFTP server credentials
To connect your SFTP server to Zapier, you need the following information:
| Credential | Description |
|---|---|
| Host | The hostname or IP address of your SFTP server (e.g., sftp.example.com or 192.168.1.1) |
| Port | The port number for SFTP connections (default is 22) |
| Username | Your SFTP account username |
| Password | Your SFTP password (required if not using SSH key authentication) |
| Private Key | Your SSH private key (required if not using password authentication) |
You must provide at least a password or an SSH private key for authentication. You can also provide both.
Contact your server administrator or hosting provider if you do not have these credentials.
Allowlist Zapier's IP addresses
If your SFTP server is behind a firewall, you may need to allowlist Zapier's IP addresses to allow connections.
Learn more about Zapier's IP addresses.
Connect SFTP by Zapier to Zapier
To create an app connection to SFTP by Zapier on Zapier:
- Go to the Apps page.
- Click + Add connection.
- A new dialog box will appear. Search for and select SFTP by Zapier.
- Click Add connection.
- A Connect an Account page will open in a browser tab or window.
- Complete the following fields:
- Host: Enter your SFTP server's hostname or IP address.
- Username: Enter your SFTP username.
- Port Number: (Optional) Enter your SFTP server's port number. Defaults to 22 if left blank.
- Password: Enter your SFTP password.
- Private Key: Paste your SSH private key.
- Click Yes, Continue to SFTP by Zapier.
Your SFTP server is now successfully connected to Zapier.
NoteZapier cannot access files on your local computer. Files must be stored on your SFTP server for Zapier to access them. If you need to work with local files, first upload them to your SFTP server.
About SFTP by Zapier's app
What is SFTP?
SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol) is a network protocol that provides secure file access, transfer, and management over an encrypted SSH connection. Unlike standard FTP, SFTP encrypts both authentication and data, protecting your credentials and files during transfer.
Common use cases for SFTP with Zapier include:
- Automating file backups from other apps to your SFTP server.
- Triggering workflows when new files arrive on your server.
- Exchanging data files with partners or internal systems.
- Importing or exporting data between your SFTP server and other apps.
Triggers, searches, and actions
- New or Updated File - Triggers when a file is added or modified in a specified folder on your SFTP server.
No searches available for this app.
- Upload File - Uploads a file from a previous Zap step to your SFTP server. If you don't specify a filename, the integration can auto-detect filenames from the source file.
- Download File - Downloads a file from your SFTP server to use in subsequent Zap steps.
Limitations
- Zapier cannot access files on your local computer or laptop. Files must be on an accessible SFTP server.
- Large file uploads may time out. Zapier has a 180-second timeout for action steps, which may affect very large files when uploading.
- If your SFTP server has rate limits, frequent Zap runs may exceed these limits.