SSH Access Denied - "sftp connections only" Error

Hello,

I'm trying to deploy a Node.js application on my Hostinger VPS with Hestia Control Panel, but I'm unable to connect via SSH.

**Server Details:**
- Server IP: 72.62.58.34
- Username: saban
- Domain: kopernicpartner.com
- Panel: Hestia Control Panel v1.9.4

**Error Message:**
When I try to connect via SSH, I get:
"This service allows sftp connections only.
Connection to 72.62.58.34 closed."

**What I've Tried:**
1. Checked Edit User → Shell setting (currently set to bash)
2. Added SSH key to user profile
3. Tried password authentication

**What I Need:**
I need full SSH access to run Node.js commands (npm install, npm build, npm start) for my Next.js application deployment.

How can I enable full SSH access? Is there a server-level configuration I'm missing?

Thank you for your help!

This is not a configuration issue.

You are trying to deploy an application that requires full shell access using a restricted hosting user. That will never work.

Node.js apps must be deployed and managed at server level (root) using proper tooling (systemd, PM2). A regular Hestia user is intentionally limited to SFTP.

If this distinction is unclear, you are missing the required system administration knowledge for this setup.

2 Likes