Skip to main content
To SSH into a Linux server, open a terminal (PowerShell on Windows, Terminal on macOS or Linux) and run ssh root@203.0.113.10, replacing the IP with your server’s IP address. Type yes to accept the host key the first time, then enter your password. If your server uses a different port, add -p and the port number, for example ssh -p 2222 root@203.0.113.10.

​
Before you start

  • Find your server’s IP address, username (usually root) and password. On a VPS you can see the IP in the VPS Control Panel and reset the root password if you don’t have it.
  • Wait until the operating system has finished installing. A freshly set-up VPS needs a few minutes before SSH answers.
  • SSH (Secure Shell) is an encrypted remote login. It gives you a command line on the server, not a desktop.

​
Which SSH client should I use?

You don’t need to install anything on a current computer. The ssh command is part of OpenSSH, which ships with macOS and Linux and is available on Windows 10 and 11 as the OpenSSH Client optional feature. If Windows says ssh is not recognised, open Start, search for Optional features, add OpenSSH Client, then open a new PowerShell window (Microsoft Learn).

​
How to SSH into your server

1

Open a terminal

Open PowerShell (Windows) or Terminal (macOS and Linux).
2

Run the ssh command

Type ssh, your username, @ and the server IP:
If SSH listens on a port other than 22, add -p:
3

Check and accept the host key

The first time you connect, SSH shows the server’s fingerprint and asks whether to trust it:
Type yes and press Enter. Your computer saves the key in ~/.ssh/known_hosts and won’t ask again for this server.
4

Enter your password

Type the password and press Enter. Nothing appears on screen while you type; this is normal. To paste, right-click in PowerShell or press Cmd+V in macOS Terminal.
5

Start working

You are logged in when the prompt changes to something like root@web01:~#. Type exit or press Ctrl+D to log out.

​
How to check it worked

Run a couple of harmless commands. They print the user you are logged in as and the operating system release:

​
What to do after your first login

A new server is reachable by anyone on the internet who guesses the password. Before you install anything else:
  1. Update the packages.
  2. Create an SSH key and log in with it.
  3. Turn off password logins.
  4. Create a normal user with sudo and stop logging in as root.
The full list is in first 10 things to do on a new Linux VPS.
If you lock yourself out of SSH on a VPS (wrong firewall rule, lost key, changed port), you can still log in through the VNC console in the VPS Control Panel or boot into rescue mode. On a dedicated server, open a ticket for console access.

​
Frequently asked questions

​
What is the default SSH port?

Port 22. You only need -p if you or your server image changed it. See how to change the SSH port.

​
Why does nothing appear when I type my password?

SSH hides the password completely, without dots or stars. Type it carefully and press Enter. If you get Permission denied, please try again., the password or username is wrong.

​
I get “Connection refused” or “Connection timed out”. What now?

“Refused” usually means the SSH service isn’t running or listens on another port. “Timed out” usually means a firewall drops the connection or the IP is wrong. See SSH connection refused and SSH connection timed out.

​
I get “WARNING: REMOTE HOST IDENTIFICATION HAS CHANGED”. Is that dangerous?

It means the server’s host key no longer matches the one your computer saved, which is normal after you reinstall the server. If you did not reinstall, stop and check. See host key verification failed.

​
Can I SSH into a Windows server?

Only if OpenSSH Server is enabled on it. Windows servers are normally managed with Remote Desktop.

VPS and dedicated server guides

Every guide in this section.

Create and use SSH keys

Log in without a password.

Use PuTTY

A graphical SSH client for Windows.

SSH config shortcuts

Type ssh web instead of the full command.

Transfer files with SFTP

Upload files with WinSCP or FileZilla.

VNC console

Log in when SSH doesn’t work.
Checked against the official OpenSSH manual and Microsoft Learn on 4 November 2026; commands tested with OpenSSH 9.6 on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS. Output can differ slightly on other clients and releases.

​
Need Extra Help?

If you encounter any issues, our support team is ready to assist:

​
Save on Your Hosting

Ready to upgrade your hosting? Use code KB20 at checkout for 20% off your first order!
Last Updated: November 2026