> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://flashrdp.com/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Connect to your Linux VPS via SSH

> Connect to your FlashRDP Linux VPS over SSH from macOS, Linux, or Windows using OpenSSH or PuTTY, including key authentication and first-login tips.

Once your Linux VPS is active, the first thing you'll want to do is log in. We provide full `root` access via SSH, so you can connect directly from your computer's terminal.

You'll need three things from your welcome email:

* **Server IP address** (e.g., `192.168.1.50`)
* **Username** (this is always `root`)
* **Password**

## Connecting from macOS or Linux

If you're using a Mac or a Linux computer, you don't need to install anything. The SSH tool is already built-in.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open your Terminal">
    Open the **Terminal** app on your Mac or Linux desktop.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Run the SSH Command">
    Type the following command, replacing `YOUR_IP` with your actual server's IP address:

    ```bash theme={null}
    ssh root@YOUR_IP
    ```

    Press **Enter**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="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.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enter your Password">
    Paste your root password. **Note:** As you type or paste the password, nothing will show up on the screen. This is a normal Linux security feature. Just hit **Enter** when you're done.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Connecting from Windows

If you're on Windows 10 or 11, you can use the built-in Command Prompt or PowerShell, which works exactly like the Mac/Linux instructions above.

Alternatively, you can use a popular third-party client like **PuTTY**:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Download PuTTY">
    Download and install [PuTTY](https://www.chiark.greenend.org.uk/~sgtatham/putty/latest.html).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enter your IP Address">
    Open PuTTY. In the "Host Name (or IP address)" box, paste your FlashRDP server's IP. Make sure the port is set to `22`.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Connect">
    Click **Open**. If you see a security alert, click **Accept**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Log in">
    When the black terminal window says `login as:`, type `root` and hit Enter. Then paste your password (you can right-click to paste in PuTTY) and hit Enter.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Info>
  **Locked out?** If you ever lose your SSH access or misconfigure your firewall, don't panic. You can always use the VNC Console in your [FlashRDP Control Panel](/docs/control-panel/server-panel) to log in directly.
</Info>