How to Connect Securely to Your Linux VPS Using SSH

SSH (Secure Shell) allows you to manage your Linux VPS remotely over a secure connection. You can use it to install software, edit configuration files, perform updates, and more. In this guide, we explain how to connect to your Linux VPS using the built-in terminal in Windows, macOS, and Linux or with Tabby.

Connecting through the terminal

Recent versions of Windows, macOS, and Linux include an SSH client by default. Therefore, you do not need to install a separate program for this method.

1. Open Terminal by searching for it in Windows or macOS, or open a terminal window in Linux.
2. Run the command below. Replace USERNAME and IP-ADDRESS with the SSH details of your VPS:

ssh USERNAME@IP-ADDRESS

For example, if your username is root and your IP address is 203.0.113.10, the command will look like this:

ssh [email protected]

Tip Does your VPS use an SSH port other than 22? Add -p, followed by the port number, to the command: ssh -p PORT USERNAME@IP-ADDRESS.

Tip Are you logging in with a private SSH key that is not stored in your SSH client's default directory? Specify the path to the private key with -i: ssh -i "PATH/TO/PRIVATE-KEY" USERNAME@IP-ADDRESS.

3. When connecting for the first time, the VPS's host key fingerprint will be displayed. If you expect this first-time connection and the server details are correct, type yes and press Enter.
4. Enter the SSH password for the user and press Enter. If you use a protected private SSH key, enter its passphrase instead.

Note No characters, dots, or asterisks will appear in the terminal while you enter a password. Your input is still being processed. This is a standard security measure.

5. The SSH connection has been established when the VPS command prompt appears, for example root@vps:~#.

Connecting with Tabby

Tabby is a modern terminal and SSH client for Windows, macOS and Linux. It is an alternative to programmes such as PuTTY.

1. Download and install Tabby for your operating system.
2. Open Tabby and click the gear icon to open Settings.
3. Go to Profiles & connections.
4. Click New profile and select New SSH connection.
5. Enter a recognizable name, such as My Linux VPS.
6. Enter the VPS IP address under Host and the SSH port under Port. The default port is 22.
7. Enter the SSH username under Username, which is usually root.
8. Select Password as the authentication method if you log in with a password. Preferably, let Tabby prompt you for the password when connecting. If you use a private SSH key, select Key and choose the private key file.
9. Save the profile and open the new SSH connection.
10. Check the host key fingerprint when Tabby displays it for the first time. Only accept the host key if you expect this first-time connection and the server details are correct.
11. Enter the SSH password or the passphrase for your private SSH key to connect to the Linux VPS.

My SSH connection is not working

If you cannot connect, check the error message in the terminal or Tabby. The most common causes are explained below.

1. Permission denied

This error usually means that the username, password, or SSH key was not accepted. Check that you are using the correct username and enter the password again. Also check your keyboard layout and capitalization.

2. Connection timed out or Connection refused

Check that the VPS is turned on and that you are using the correct IP address and SSH port. Also check in the control panel whether a firewall is blocking the SSH port.

3. Remote host identification has changed

This warning appears when the saved host key no longer matches the VPS's host key. This can be normal after reinstalling the VPS operating system, but it may also indicate a security risk.

First, determine why the host key changed. Are you certain that it was caused by a reinstallation or another administrative change? Remove the old host key using the following command and reconnect:

ssh-keygen -R IP-ADDRESS

If you use a custom SSH port, run the following command:

ssh-keygen -R "[IP-ADDRESS]:PORT"