Managing files with SFTP
This page explains how to use SFTP in Termius to browse, transfer, and manage files across local and remote systems, with guidance for both desktop and mobile workflows.
Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) is a secure, encrypted method for transferring files between computers over a network, acting as an extension of the Secure Shell (SSH) protocol. It replaces older FTP by encrypting commands and data to prevent password sniffing and man-in-the-middle attacks.
Overview
Termius supports SFTP across all its major platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. It includes:
Dual-pane interface on the desktop: manage local or remote files side-by-side
Transfer files: transfer files between the selected hosts, including drag-and-drop support
Mobile support: open multiple SFTP tabs on iOS and Android, which allows you to have multiple file transfer sessions open simultaneously
Integrated workflow: switch between a terminal session and an SFTP session for the same host with a single click
File editing: download files for editing with further changes tracking and file upload
Connect to a host via SFTP
Opening SFTP sessions works differently on the desktop and mobile. On the desktop, a local file system opens by default.
To connect to a host via SFTP on the desktop:
Open the
SFTPtabIn one of the SFTP panes, select a host
Choose a host from the list
Complete authentication if prompted
Opening SFTP sessions works differently on the desktop and mobile.
To connect to a host via SFTP on mobile from the Host screen:
Select the host you want to connect to
Open the
Context menu:iOS: press and hold the host
Android: tap the host icon, then tap the
three-dot menu
Tap
Connect via SFTPComplete authentication if prompted
The SFTP session opens in a new tab. Desktop supports two active SFTP panes at a time. Mobile lets you open multiple SFTP tabs.
Browse the file system
Refresh the contents of the folder
To refresh the folder contents, click the current folder in the path bar. This works on both the desktop and mobile.
Show hidden files
Termius doesn't show hidden files and folders by default.
To view hidden files:
Click the
ActionsmenuSelect
Show Hidden Files
Manually enter a full path
On the desktop, click the area next to the current path to edit it. This is useful when you already know the full path and don’t want to navigate through each folder step by step.
After entering the path, press Enter. If the folder exists, Termius will navigate directly to that location.
Transfer files
On the desktop, you can transfer files in several ways.
Via drag and drop between panes
Via drag and drop from your local file system to the target pane
Via the context menu
Open the target folder in one of the panes
Right-clickthe file or folder you want to transferSelect
Copy to target directoryfrom the context menu
On iOS and iPadOS, you can transfer files in several ways.
Via drag and drop between Termius windows
Open SFTP sessions to your servers in separate Termius windows
Drag a file from one Termius window and drop it onto another Termius window with an active SFTP session
Via drag and drop from the Files app
Open an SFTP session in Termius, and open the Files app next to it
Drag a file from the Files app and drop it onto the Termius window with the active SFTP session
Via copy and paste to the target host
Connect to your server via SFTP
Select a file and tap
Copy. This prepares the file for transfer to a destination that you can choose later
Connect via SFTP to a host where you want to transfer the file
Tap on the three-dot menu and select
Pasteto start the transfer to the current folder
Via the Upload button
Connect to your server via SFTP
Tap the
Uploadbutton
Select a file or folder to upload to the selected host
Transfers progress sheet
The Transfers section tracks file transfer status and works differently on iOS and Android.
On iOS/iPadOS, the Transfers section shows:
The files stored in the
Termius > Downloadsfolder on the deviceProgress of active file transfers
Notifications of file conflict resolution (for example, replace or keep both)
File transfer errors
When a file transfer between two remote hosts is completed, the Transfers section won't show the corresponding file in the list anymore.
On iOS or iPad, deleting a file from the Transfers view also removes it from device storage, as the Transfers section is synced with the Termius > Downloads folder on the device.
On Android, you can transfer or upload files in two ways.
Via copy and paste to the target host
Connect to your server via SFTP
Select a file and tap
Copy. This prepares the file for transfer to a destination that you can choose later
Connect via SFTP to a host where you want to transfer the file
Tap the
three-dotbutton and selectPasteto start the transfer to the current folder
Via the Upload button
Connect to your server via SFTP
Tap the
Uploadbutton. Select whether you want to upload a file or a folder
Choose a file or folder to start the upload to the selected host
Transfers view
The Transfers section tracks file transfer status and works differently on iOS and Android.
On Android, the Transfers section shows:
Status of completed uploads, downloads, and transfers
Progress of active file transfers
Notifications of file conflict resolution (for example, replace or keep both)
File transfer errors
Removing an item from the Transfers section only removes it from the UI.
Edit files
To open a file for viewing or editing, you can:
Double-clickthe file, orRight-clickthe file and selectOpenorOpen with
When you open a file from a remote host, Termius downloads the file to a temporary local folder for editing. After you finish editing, the app detects the changes and prompts you to upload the updated file back to the host.
Default apps for different file types
When you use the Open with option, Termius remembers the application you selected for that file type.
You can review the apps associated with different file types in Termius > Settings > SFTP.
To open and edit a file on iOS or iPadOS:
Download the file. Press and hold the file, then select
Download. Termius downloads it to theTermius > Downloadfolder on the device
In the Transfers list, tap the file to open it in one of the apps available on your device
Press and hold the file, then choose an app to edit it
Edit the file and save your changes locally
Return to
Termius > SFTP sessionand tapUpload, then select the edited file to upload it back to the host
The Transfers section on iOS works differently from Android
On iOS and iPadOS, deleting a file from the Transfers view also removes it from device storage, because the Transfers section is synced with the Termius > Downloads folder on the device.
On Android, you can either download a file and edit it locally or edit it directly on the remote host with a terminal editor such as vi, vim, emacs, or nano, or via a custom command.
To edit a file via a terminal editor:
Press and hold the file you want to edit. Open the three-dot menu and select
Edit.
Choose the editor you want to use.
If the selected editor is installed on the host, it opens in the terminal.
Make your changes and save the file.
To edit a file locally:
Download the file:
Press and hold the file you want to edit. Open the three-dot menu and select
Download
Choose the folder where the file will be saved. Future downloads will be saved there automatically
In the Transfers list, tap the file to open it in one of the apps available on your device
Edit the file and save your changes locally
Return to
Termius > SFTP sessionand tapUpload, then select the edited file to upload it back to the selected host
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