How to Connect to Servers in Linux With the KDE Dolphin File Manager

Dolphin, KDE Plasma’s file manager, connects to remote folders through KDE’s KIO workers. Enter the server URL in Dolphin’s editable location bar using the right protocol, then sign in if asked. You can browse and transfer files through SFTP, SSH, SMB/CIFS, FTP, NFS, and WebDAV. Availability depends on installed KIO components and server configuration; KDE’s Dolphin location-bar guide lists the supported network protocols.

Get the server details first

Ask the server administrator for the protocol, hostname or IP address, exact share or folder path, username, and any nonstandard port. SMB may also require a domain or workgroup. The server must allow your client to access an NFS export; an address for one share may not open another.

Do not put your password in the address. Dolphin can request credentials in a separate sign-in dialog. Standard FTP sends passwords and file data without encryption, so use it only on a trusted network; choose SFTP or an encrypted WebDAV connection when the server offers one. The IETF’s FTP security considerations explain the risk of unencrypted FTP.

Connect directly from Dolphin

1. Open Dolphin. The location bar normally shows clickable folder breadcrumbs. Click the blank area to the right of the path to switch it to editable mode. KDE documents this behavior in its location-bar instructions.
2. Enter the full server address. Include the protocol and, for a file share, its share or folder path. Press Enter. If you are unsure which protocols are available in your installation, clear the editable bar and check its protocol list.
3. Sign in when asked. Enter the account authorized for that server. For SMB, use the domain or workgroup information provided by the administrator if needed. Only save credentials in KDE Wallet on a device you trust.
4. Browse and transfer files. Once the remote folder opens, use Dolphin’s normal folder navigation and copy/paste or drag files between the remote location and a local folder. A server may allow reading but block uploads or deletion; Dolphin cannot override the permissions set on the server.

Use the address format for your protocol

Replace the example host, account, port, and path with the values supplied for your server. Keep the two slashes after each protocol name.

If a connection fails, first check the scheme and path. For example, an SMB server can be reachable while the share name is wrong. For SFTP or FISH, confirm that SSH is enabled and that the port is correct. For NFS, check the exported path and the server’s client-access rules.

Reopen saved network folders

For a connection you use often, type remote:/ in the editable location bar or select Network in Dolphin’s Places panel. This opens KDE’s network-folder area, where previously added locations appear. If the Network Folder Wizard is available, use it to save an FTP, Samba/SMB, SSH, or WebDAV folder by entering its name, server, folder, and account details. The KDE KNetAttach guide describes the wizard and the remote:/ location. This area is for saved network folders; it does not guarantee automatic discovery of every device on your LAN.

Fix common connection problems

• Dolphin says the protocol is unknown: Your distribution may not have installed the matching KIO worker. Check its software manager for KDE network I/O components, then reopen Dolphin.
• The server cannot be found or times out: Check the hostname, VPN or LAN connection, server status, firewall, and port. Try the IP address if local DNS is not resolving the hostname.
• The login is rejected: Confirm the username, password, domain or workgroup, and that the account has permission to use the share. Avoid guessing credentials repeatedly if the server locks accounts.
• The folder opens but you cannot upload or delete: The server may grant read-only access or restrict write permission to another account. Ask the administrator to verify the share and directory permissions.