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Import from your old host: move your server to ESN for free

2 min readUpdated Oct 27, 2026

Use the free built-in importer to copy your Minecraft or bot server from your old host into ESN over SFTP, FTP or a download link, up to 20 GB.

Moving to ESN from another host? You don't have to download and re-upload everything yourself. Every ESN server has a free, built-in importer that pulls your files straight from your old host into your new server.

Before you start #

  • Buy or create your server on ESN first (see plans), then open it in the panel.
  • Stop the server before importing. The importer won't run while the server is online.
  • You need to be the server's owner, an admin, or a subuser with permission to create files (and delete files, if you want to wipe the server first).
  • Have your old host's details ready: the SFTP or FTP address, port, username and password, or a download link to a backup of your files.

Import your files #

  1. In the panel, open your server and go to Settings.
  2. Find the card called Import from your old host.
  3. Pick how to connect:
    • SFTP: most game and bot hosts offer this. Use the SFTP details from your old host's panel.
    • FTP: if your old host only offers plain FTP.
    • Download link: a direct link to a backup file (.zip or .tar). Google Drive and Dropbox share links work too.
  4. Optional: tick delete all current files first if you want a clean server. You'll be asked to confirm, because this can't be undone.
  5. Start the import and wait for it to finish, then start your server.

Zip and tar backups are unpacked for you automatically. If the archive has a single wrapper folder, its contents are placed straight into your server.

Limits #

  • Up to 20 GB per import, or your server's disk size if that is smaller.
  • Links to private or internal network addresses are blocked.
  • Your old host's login is used only for the import and is not saved or logged.

If it doesn't work #

  • "Login failed": double-check the address, port, username and password from your old host. Some hosts use a different SFTP port than 22.
  • Server is running: stop it from the console first, then try again.
  • Too big: delete old backups or unused worlds on your old host, or upgrade your plan for more disk.
  • Link won't download: make sure the link is public and points to the file itself, not a login page.
  • No permission: ask the server owner to give your subuser file permissions, or to run the import themselves.
Tip: after importing a Minecraft server, check the startup settings match your old host (server jar and version). See startup settings. You can also read more on the move to ESN page.

Still stuck? Use the live chat on the panel or ask in the ESN Systems Discord. Last updated October 27, 2026.