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SSH gives you a secure command line on your server, so you can run commands, edit files and install software. This guide covers connecting from Windows, Mac and Ubuntu Desktop. All three include an SSH program, so you don't need to install anything.

In the examples below, replace ''203.0.113.10'' with your server's IP address or hostname, and ''root'' with the user you log in as.

== What you need ==

* '''Cloud server or dedicated server:''' your server's IP address, which is shown on the server's page in the Client Area, and the root password or an SSH key. If you don't have the root password, a cloud server's '''Reset Root Password''' button sets a new one. See [[Manage your cloud server]].
* '''cPanel account (shared or reseller hosting):''' your cPanel username, your server's hostname and an SSH key. Our shared servers accept SSH keys only, not passwords, and SSH must be turned on for your account. If it isn't, please [[Open a support ticket|open a support ticket]]. To add your key, see [[#Log in with an SSH key|Log in with an SSH key]] below.

SSH uses port 22 unless your server has been set up with a different port. In that case, add <code>-p</code> and the port number to the commands below, for example <code>ssh -p 2222 root@203.0.113.10</code>.

== Open a terminal ==

* '''Windows 10 and 11:''' right-click the Start button and choose '''Terminal''' (or '''Windows PowerShell''').
* '''Mac:''' open '''Terminal''' from Applications > Utilities, or search for "Terminal" with Spotlight (Command + Space).
* '''Ubuntu Desktop:''' press '''Ctrl + Alt + T''', or search for "Terminal" in Activities.

== Connect ==

Type this command and press Enter:
ssh root@203.0.113.10

The first time you connect, SSH shows the server's fingerprint and asks whether to continue. Type '''yes''' and press Enter. SSH remembers the server, so it only asks once. If it ever warns that the server's identification has changed when you haven't reinstalled the server, don't continue, and [[Open a support ticket|open a support ticket]].

Enter your password when asked. Nothing appears on screen while you type it; that's normal. You're now logged in. Type <code>exit</code> to disconnect.

== Log in with an SSH key ==

An SSH key is safer than a password and saves you typing it. You create a pair of keys on your computer: a private key, which never leaves your computer, and a public key, which you put on the server.

'''1.''' Create the key (the same command works on Windows, Mac and Ubuntu). Press Enter to accept the default file name, and choose a passphrase to protect the key:
ssh-keygen -t ed25519

'''2.''' Add the public key to your server:

* '''Mac and Ubuntu:'''
ssh-copy-id root@203.0.113.10
* '''Windows''' (PowerShell):
type $env:USERPROFILE\.ssh\id_ed25519.pub | ssh root@203.0.113.10 "mkdir -p ~/.ssh && chmod 700 ~/.ssh && cat >> ~/.ssh/authorized_keys && chmod 600 ~/.ssh/authorized_keys"
* '''cPanel account:''' show the public key with <code>cat ~/.ssh/id_ed25519.pub</code> (on Windows, <code>type $env:USERPROFILE\.ssh\id_ed25519.pub</code>) and copy it. In cPanel, go to '''Security''' > '''SSH Access''' > '''Manage SSH Keys''' > '''Import Key''', paste it into the public key box, and click '''Import'''. Then click '''Manage''' next to the key, and '''Authorize'''.

'''3.''' Connect as before. SSH now uses your key instead of asking for the server's password:
ssh root@203.0.113.10

Once key login works on your own server, you can turn off password logins for extra security. See [[Secure your cPanel server]].

== Copy files over SSH ==

The same connection can copy files. From your computer's terminal:
scp myfile.zip root@203.0.113.10:/root/
scp root@203.0.113.10:/root/backup.tar.gz .

For a graphical program, FileZilla and WinSCP (Windows), or Cyberduck (Mac), connect using SFTP with the same details. See [[Upload files to your website]].

== If you can't connect ==

* '''Connection timed out:''' check the IP address and port. Your IP address may also be blocked after too many failed logins.
* '''Permission denied:''' check the username and password or key. On a cPanel account, make sure the key is authorized in '''Manage SSH Keys'''.
* For both, and for mistakes in the server's SSH or firewall settings, see [[Locked out of your server]].

[[Category:WHM]]

Connect to your server via SSH - Revision history

Docs admin: Rewritten for current Acenet services (Main Page refresh)