Software⏱️ 4 min read📅 2026-06-11

How to Fix: sftp Received disconnect 11: Application error

SFTP connection error with Application error and Connection reset by peer.

Quick Answer: Try setting the SSH protocol version to 2.0 using the -o "Protocol=2.0" parameter, or disable PubkeyAuthentication and use a password instead.

The error 'Received disconnect from IP_OF_THE_SERVER: 11: Application error' occurs when an SFTP client, in this case, a Linux client, attempts to connect to an SFTP server using SSH protocol. This error is frustrating for users who expect to be prompted for a password instead of being automatically authenticated with a key. In this guide, we will explore the possible reasons behind this issue and provide two primary methods to resolve it.

The problem arises when the SFTP client attempts to connect to the server using SSH protocol without prompting the user for a password. This is often due to incorrect configuration or missing settings in the SFTP client or server-side settings.

⚠️ Common Causes

  • The primary reason for this error is that the SFTP client is configured to use public key authentication, which bypasses the need for a password. However, when the server does not have the expected public key or the configuration is incorrect, it can lead to an application error. Additionally, if the SSH protocol version on both the client and server sides is incompatible, it can also result in this error.
  • Another alternative reason could be that there are issues with the SSH connection itself, such as a firewall blocking the connection or a network issue preventing the client from establishing a connection to the server.

✅ Best Solutions to Fix It

Configuring SFTP Client to Prompt for Password

  1. Step 1: Open the configuration file of the SFTP client (usually ~/.ssh/config) and add the following line: `Host * PubkeyAuthentication no` This will instruct the client to always prompt for a password instead of using public key authentication. Save the changes and restart the SFTP client.
  2. Step 2: Alternatively, you can also use the `-o PubkeyAuthentication=no` parameter when running the SFTP command. For example: `sftp -v -o PubkeyAuthentication=no username@SERVER`. This will also prompt for a password instead of using public key authentication.
  3. Step 3: If you are still facing issues after applying these steps, it is recommended to try an alternative method.

Checking Server-Side Configuration

  1. Step 1: Check the server-side configuration files (usually /etc/ssh/sshd_config) for any settings that may be causing the issue. Ensure that the `PubkeyAuthentication` setting is set to 'no' or removed altogether.
  2. Step 2: Verify that the expected public key is present on the server and has not been corrupted or deleted. You can use the `ssh-keyscan -t rsa` command to scan the server's public keys and verify their presence.

✨ Wrapping Up

To resolve the 'Received disconnect from IP_OF_THE_SERVER: 11: Application error' issue, you can try two primary methods. First, configure your SFTP client to prompt for a password instead of using public key authentication. Alternatively, check your server-side configuration and ensure that the expected public key is present and correctly configured. If none of these methods work, it is recommended to seek further assistance from the SFTP client or server administrators.

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