How to Connect to a Linux VPS with SSH (Windows, macOS, Mobile)

Before you start

You need three things: the server IP, the user name (root) and the password. They are shown in the panel after the server is created, and you can change the password from the server page at any time.

Windows 10 and 11

Windows 10 and 11 include an SSH client. Open PowerShell or Command Prompt and run (replace IP with your server's IP):

ssh root@IP

On the first connection you'll be asked to trust the server's fingerprint; type yes and press Enter. Then enter the password; nothing is shown while you type, which is normal.

On older Windows versions use the free PuTTY client: put the IP in Host Name, keep port 22 and click Open.

macOS and Linux

Open Terminal and run the same command:

ssh root@IP

From your phone

• Android: apps such as Termius or JuiceSSH, or ssh root@IP in Termux.
• iPhone and iPad: Termius.

Safer login with an SSH key

An SSH key is safer than a password and saves you typing it. Create a key on your computer:

ssh-keygen -t ed25519

Save the contents of ~/.ssh/id_ed25519.pub (the public key) under SSH keys in your account settings and select it when you create a server or reinstall the OS, and it will be put on the server. For a server you already have, copy the key with:

ssh-copy-id root@IP

Common errors

• Connection timed out: the server is off, the IP is wrong or the server is still being created. Check its status in the panel.
• Permission denied: wrong password. Change it from the server page and try again.
• REMOTE HOST IDENTIFICATION HAS CHANGED: happens after an OS reinstall or an IP change. Remove the old fingerprint: ssh-keygen -R IP

After your first login, read how to secure a Linux server.