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For the complete documentation index, see llms.txt. This page is also available as Markdown.

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

Termius from the Mac App Store and Snap Store is sandboxed and has limited access to the file system. If you need to manage local files, download Termius from the website for macOS, Windows, or Linux.

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:

  1. Open the SFTP tab

  2. In one of the SFTP panes, select a host

  3. Choose a host from the list

  4. 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:

  1. Select the host you want to connect to

  2. Open the Context menu:

    • iOS: press and hold the host

    • Android: tap the host icon, then tap the three-dot menu

  3. Tap Connect via SFTP

  4. Complete 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:

  1. Click the Actions menu

  2. Select 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

  1. Open the target folder in one of the panes

  2. Right-click the file or folder you want to transfer

  3. Select Copy to target directory from the context menu

On iOS and iPadOS, you can transfer files in several ways.

Via drag and drop between Termius windows

  1. Open SFTP sessions to your servers in separate Termius windows

  2. 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

  1. Open an SFTP session in Termius, and open the Files app next to it

  2. 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

  1. Connect to your server via SFTP

  2. Select a file and tap Copy. This prepares the file for transfer to a destination that you can choose later

  3. Connect via SFTP to a host where you want to transfer the file

  4. Tap on the three-dot menu and select Paste to start the transfer to the current folder

Via the Upload button

  1. Connect to your server via SFTP

  2. Tap the Upload button

  3. 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 > Downloads folder on the device

  • Progress 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

  1. Connect to your server via SFTP

  2. Select a file and tap Copy. This prepares the file for transfer to a destination that you can choose later

  3. Connect via SFTP to a host where you want to transfer the file

  4. Tap the three-dot button and select Paste to start the transfer to the current folder

Via the Upload button

  1. Connect to your server via SFTP

  2. Tap the Upload button. Select whether you want to upload a file or a folder

  3. 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-click the file, or

  • Right-click the file and select Open or Open 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:

  1. Download the file. Press and hold the file, then select Download . Termius downloads it to the Termius > Download folder on the device

  2. In the Transfers list, tap the file to open it in one of the apps available on your device

  3. Press and hold the file, then choose an app to edit it

  4. Edit the file and save your changes locally

  5. Return to Termius > SFTP session and tap Upload, 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:

  1. Press and hold the file you want to edit. Open the three-dot menu and select Edit

  2. Choose the editor you want to use

  3. If the selected editor is installed on the host, it opens in the terminal

  4. Make your changes and save the file

To edit a file locally:

  1. Download the file:

    1. Press and hold the file you want to edit. Open the three-dot menu and select Download

    2. Choose the folder where the file will be saved. Future downloads will be saved there automatically

  2. In the Transfers list, tap the file to open it in one of the apps available on your device

  3. Edit the file and save your changes locally

  4. Return to Termius > SFTP session and tap Upload, then select the edited file to upload it back to the selected host

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