When you take on a new web development or design client, getting access to their server is usually the very first hurdle. While log-ins like WordPress admin access are great for publishing content, you need raw FTP or SFTP credentials the moment it is time to fix a broken plugin, optimize theme files, or manage database assets safely. Since every hosting company organizes their backend dashboard differently, this guide breaks down exactly where you need to look to find or generate their connection details across the five biggest hosting providers on the web.
1. GoDaddy
For GoDaddy’s Managed WordPress hosting, standard FTP is completely disabled for security; you must use SFTP.
- How to find them: Log into your GoDaddy product page, navigate to Managed Hosting for WordPress, and click Manage All. Choose your site, click Settings, and scroll down to the Production Site section to find SSH/SFTP login where you can view or generate fresh credentials.
- Official Link: GoDaddy Help – Change my SFTP/SSH password
2. Hostinger
Hostinger provides standard FTP on basic accounts, but switches to SFTP on Premium plans and above.
- How to find them: Log into the Hostinger hPanel and go to Websites > Dashboard. From the left sidebar, navigate to Files > FTP Accounts. Your host IP, username, and port (21 for FTP) are displayed right there. For SFTP details, you will utilize the same page but connect securely using port 22.
- Official Link: Hostinger Support – How to upload files with FTP or SFTP
3. SiteGround
SiteGround relies entirely on secure SFTP access managed through their modern Site Tools dashboard.
- How to find them: Log into your SiteGround Client Area and navigate to Site Tools > Devs > SSH Keys Manager. You must generate an SSH key pair first; the system will then provide you with your unique username, hostname (
sftp.siteground.net), and custom SFTP port (18765). They also offer a profile-level “Multisite SFTP” key if you manage multiple domains. - Official Link: SiteGround KB – How to setup and manage Multisite SFTP access
4. Bluehost
Bluehost offers access using their main portal layout or traditional cPanel interfaces.
- How to find them: Log into the Bluehost Portal, click Websites, and select Manage Site next to your domain. Go to Files & Access and select Manage under the FTP card. This opens up cPanel where you can click FTP Accounts under the Files section and select Configure FTP Client to see your host, username, and port (21).
- Official Link: Bluehost Help – General FTP Settings & Uploading
5. WP Engine
WP Engine is a managed WordPress host that strictly utilizes secure SFTP (port 22) connections.
- How to find them: Log into the WP Engine User Portal, select your environment, and click on SFTP Users in the left-hand navigation. From here, you can create a new SFTP user, set a password, and copy the environment-specific connection address and unique username strings.
- Official Link: WP Engine Support – Guide to connecting via SFTP