How to sync using SFTP/FTP

This guide explains how to sync KeePassium database with other devices using an SFTP/FTP server.

Integration with iOS Files app and third-party apps

SFTP/FTP protocols are not natively supported by the iOS, but can be integrated with the iOS Files app using third-party apps. Some third-party apps struggle to work in background, and therefore sometimes suffer from unreliable synchronization.

• Install an app that integrates your SFTP/FTP server with iOS Files app.
• In that app, add your WebDAV server and enter your credentials
• Open iOS Files app and make your sync app visible
• Open KeePassium, go to Databases screen
• Tap → Open Database
• Navigate to your database and select it

Some possible third-party apps are:

• Secure ShellFish by Anders Borum
• FE File Explorer Pro
• FileBrowser by Stratospherix — works well online and supports offline access, too. Once you are back online, open FileBrowser to upload local changes. Conflicting files are stored as numbered copies, so you can manually merge them in KeePass.
• SFTP File Provider — rather slow and reportedly does not work offline.

Troubleshooting

If you find background sync unreliable, a possible workaround is to launch the third-party sync app manually to make sure it can sync files.

A more permanent solution is to use the direct connection via WebDAV where possible.

See also

• How to sync using WebDAV
• Supported sync sources
• Sync troubleshooting