Flash Sale:75% Off Hosting + Free DomainEnds in13h47m14sView Plans
Hostvento logoHostvento
Get Started

Connect to Your Server with SSH

This guide shows you how to log in to your server from your own computer using SSH, on Windows, Mac and Linux.

How-To Guides2 min read10 steps4 screenshots

What is SSH?

SSH stands for Secure Shell. It is a safe way to type commands on a server that is far away. It is like a phone line that nobody else can listen to. Everything you type is scrambled on the way.

What you need

  • Your server's IP address. An IP address is the number that identifies a computer on the internet. Look in your welcome email or in the client area at https://secure.hostvento.com/clientarea.php.
  • Your user name. On many servers it is root, the admin account.
  • Your password, or an SSH key. An SSH key is a pair of files that act like a very strong password.
  • The SSH port. It is usually 22. Your welcome email may list a different one.

Shared hosting plans may not include SSH. Ask Hostvento support if you are not sure.

Connect from Mac or Linux

  1. Open the Terminal app. A terminal is a window where you type commands.
  2. Type this command. Use your own user name and IP address. 
    ssh root@203.0.113.10
    The number shown is only an example.
  3. If you use another port, add -p. 
    ssh -p 2222 root@203.0.113.10
    Open PuTTY
  4. The first time, you see a question about trusting the server. Type yes and press Enter.
  5. Type your password and press Enter. You will not see the letters as you type. That is normal.

Connect from Windows

Windows 10 and 11 have SSH built in. Open PowerShell or Command Prompt and use the same command as above. You can also use a free program called PuTTY.

  1. Open PuTTY.
  2. Type your IP address in Host Name.
    enter the hostname or the IP address
  3. Type the port in Port.
  4. Click Open.
  5. Type your user name and password when asked.
    putty-security-alert

Connect with a key

ssh -i /path/to/your-key root@203.0.113.10

The -i option points to your private key file. Never share that file.

If it does not work

  • Check the IP address, user name and port.
  • A "connection refused" error can mean a firewall or a wrong port.
  • Check your internet connection.
  • Still stuck? Open a support ticket.
Tip: Type exit to leave the server when you finish.

Quick recap

  • SSH is a safe way to run commands on a server.
  • You need an IP address, user name, password or key, and port.
    enter the password
  • Use ssh user@ip from a terminal.
  • Ask Hostvento support if SSH is not on your plan.