ssh root@YOUR_IP in a terminal and enter the root password. Windows 10 and 11, macOS and Linux include an SSH client; on iOS and Android, use a free app such as Termius.
What you need
Have these server details ready:
- IP address: on your server’s page in the Billing Portal
- Username:
root - Password or SSH key: the password is in the welcome email sent when the server was built. If you chose an SSH key when you deployed, use that key instead. After a reinstall, or if you lost the password, set a new one with Reset password in the Billing Portal; the new password is shown on screen.
How to connect
Choose your current operating system below to see the connection instructions:- Windows
- macOS and iOS
- Linux
- Android
Windows 10 and 11 include an SSH client, so you don’t need to install anything.
1
Open Command Prompt or PowerShell
On your keyboard, press the Windows key, type
cmd or powershell, and hit Enter to open the terminal.2
Run the SSH command
Type the following command, replacing Press Enter.
YOUR_IP with your actual server’s IP address:3
Accept the fingerprint
The first time you connect, you’ll see a warning about the host’s authenticity. Type
yes and hit Enter to save the server’s fingerprint.4
Enter your password
A prompt will ask for your password. Paste your root password by right-clicking inside the terminal window. Note: As you paste or type the password, nothing will show up on the screen. This is a normal security feature. Just hit Enter when you’re done.
Sign in with an SSH key
An SSH key is safer than a password and saves typing it.-
New server or reinstall: save your public key on the SSH keys page of the Billing Portal (it also shows how to create a key with
ssh-keygen -t ed25519), then choose it when you deploy or reinstall. -
Server that is already running: add the key yourself. Saved keys only apply to new installs.
On macOS or Linux:
On Windows (PowerShell):
ssh -i path/to/key root@YOUR_IP.
Troubleshooting
The connection times out or says 'Connection refused'
The connection times out or says 'Connection refused'
- Double-check the IP address to make sure you didn’t accidentally paste an extra space at the end.
- Open your server in the Billing Portal and make sure its status says Running. If it is stopped, click Start.
- A new server or a reinstall needs a few minutes before SSH answers. Wait until the server page no longer shows the setup progress.
- If you recently changed the server’s firewall (UFW, firewalld or iptables), you may have blocked port
22. Open the Console from your server’s page in the Billing Portal and fix the rule.
It says 'Permission denied (publickey,password)'
It says 'Permission denied (publickey,password)'
- Passwords are case-sensitive. Copy and paste the password instead of typing it; the terminal shows nothing while you paste or type.
- The welcome email password stops working after a reinstall or a password reset. Use the newest one.
- If you chose an SSH key when you deployed, connect with that key:
ssh -i path/to/key root@YOUR_IP. - If you’re totally locked out, reset the password from your server’s page in the Billing Portal (the server must be running), or sign in through the Console button.
'WARNING: REMOTE HOST IDENTIFICATION HAS CHANGED!'
'WARNING: REMOTE HOST IDENTIFICATION HAS CHANGED!'
After a reinstall, the server has a new host key, so your computer no longer recognizes it. If you just reinstalled, remove the old key and connect again:If you didn’t reinstall or change anything, don’t continue. Open a ticket instead.
Emergency access: if you lose SSH access, sign in through the Console on your server’s page in the Billing Portal. It works like a monitor and keyboard attached to the server, even when the network or firewall blocks SSH.
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