SFTP
SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol) provides a secure way to browse, upload, download, and manage files in your pCloud account through compatible file transfer clients, NAS devices, or command-line tools.
It is a good option for interactive transfers and systems that support SFTP.
SFTP connection settings
| Data region | Server | Port |
|---|---|---|
| US | sftp.pcloud.com | 22 |
| EU | esftp.pcloud.com | 22 |
- Username: Your pCloud email address
- Password: Your pCloud password
- Connection type: SSH
Example SFTP command
sftp "" @sftp.pcloud.com
For EU accounts, replace sftp.pcloud.com with esftp.pcloud.com.
When to use SFTP
Use SFTP when you need to:
- Browse files remotely
- Upload or download files manually
- Connect a compatible NAS device
- Use a secure third-party file transfer client
For large recurring backups, rsync is recommended because it transfers only changed data.
SCP
SCP (Secure Copy Protocol) securely copies files and folders between a local device or server and your pCloud account.
It is a simple option for one-time transfers and scripts that copy files from one location to another.
SCP connection settings
SCP uses the same servers and port as SFTP.
| Data region | Server | Port |
|---|---|---|
| US | sftp.pcloud.com | 22 |
| EU | esftp.pcloud.com | 22 |
- Username: Your pCloud email address
- Password: Your pCloud password
- Connection type: SSH
Example SCP command
scp -r" " @sftp.pcloud.com://
For EU accounts, replace sftp.pcloud.com with esftp.pcloud.com.
When to use SCP
Use SCP when you need to:
- Copy a file or folder in a single command
- Run a simple backup script
- Perform a one-time transfer
- Transfer files securely over SSH
For ongoing backups of large or frequently changing folders, use rsync instead.
Using a NAS device
If your NAS supports SFTP or SCP, you can connect it directly to pCloud and create a transfer or backup workflow.
- Use SFTP for secure file browsing and transfers.
- Use SCP for simple scripts and one-time copy operations.
The exact configuration steps depend on your NAS brand and software version. In your NAS backup or remote-storage settings, enter the relevant pCloud server address, port, pCloud email address, and password.
Using file transfer protocols with two-factor authentication
You can use SFTP and SCP while two-factor authentication (2FA) is enabled on your pCloud account.
When you connect for the first time or from a new device or location:
- Enter your pCloud email address and password in the selected protocol or application.
- You will receive a New login attempt. Is this you? email.
- Open the email and select Yes, it’s me.
- The connection will then be approved.
You do not need to disable 2FA to use these protocols.
Security and Crypto Folder
SFTP and SCP use SSH on port 22. Both protocols encrypt data while it is transferred.
Once files are stored on pCloud servers, they are protected with 256-bit AES server-side encryption.
The Crypto Folder cannot be accessed through SFTP or SCP. To upload files to the Crypto Folder, use a pCloud application that supports Crypto access.