How to connect to your server with SSH

SSH gives you a secure command line on your server. You need it to install software, read logs and manage a VPS or dedicated server.

What you need

• The server's IP address
• A username (root on a new VPS) and its password or SSH key
• The SSH port, which is 22 unless it has been changed

On a new VPS from us, these details are in your welcome email and client area. SSH is not switched on for shared hosting plans by default; if you need a command line for your site, a VPS gives you full root SSH access.

Connect from Windows

Windows 10 and 11 include SSH. Open PowerShell and type:

ssh [email protected]

Type yes to accept the server's key the first time, then enter the password. PuTTY also works if you prefer a separate program.

Connect from Mac or Linux

Open Terminal and use the same command: ssh [email protected]. Add -p 2222 if your server uses a different port.

Use a key instead of a password

• On your computer, create a key: ssh-keygen -t ed25519
• Copy it to the server: ssh-copy-id [email protected] (on Windows, paste the contents of your .pub file into ~/.ssh/authorized_keys on the server)
• Log in again; it should not ask for the password.
• Once keys work, set PasswordAuthentication no in /etc/ssh/sshd_config and restart SSH, so nobody can guess a password.

If the connection fails

• Connection refused: check the port and that the SSH service is running.
• Connection timed out: a firewall is blocking the port, or the IP is wrong.
• Permission denied: wrong username, password or key.