Does this match what you’re seeing?
- Authentication failed or ‘access denied’ over SFTP
- Connection refused or timed out on the SFTP port
- FileZilla shows an unknown host key warning
Authentication failed
- SFTP uses your DirectAdmin username and password. Additional FTP accounts (
name@yourdomain.co.uk) don’t work over SFTP; use FTP with TLS for those. FTP vs SFTP: which should you use? - Check for a recently changed DirectAdmin password saved incorrectly in your app.
- Repeated failures can temporarily block your IP.
Connection refused or timed out
- Protocol: make sure the app is set to SFTP, not FTP or FTPS.
- Port: 26628. Traxio doesn’t use the default port 22, so an app left on 22 will time out or be refused.
- Host: your domain or the server address from your welcome email.
- Network: some workplace networks block unusual outgoing ports such as 26628. Try mobile data.
Unknown host key
On first connection, SFTP asks you to trust the server’s key. Check you entered the right host and accept. If you’re later warned the key has changed unexpectedly, don’t connect: confirm you’re using the correct host, and ask the help desk if in doubt.
Connected, but in an unfamiliar folder
SFTP starts in your home directory. Your website is at domains/yourdomain.co.uk/public_html. Where to upload your website: public_html explained
Still failing
Test with the File Manager to confirm your files and account are fine, and use FTP with TLS as an alternative while you investigate. Connecting with FileZilla (FTP and SFTP)