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

Enable SSH Access for a cPanel Account

This guide shows how to give a cPanel account SSH access, whether the account is new or already exists. It uses WHM, so you need root or reseller access.

WHM2 min read14 steps6 screenshots

What is SSH?

SSH stands for Secure Shell. It lets you type commands to your server from your own computer, over a safe, scrambled connection. It is like sending text instructions to a robot that works inside the server. People use it to move files fast, run tools and fix problems.

A cPanel account can have two kinds of shell: a normal shell and a "jailed" shell. A jailed shell keeps the user inside their own home folder. It is the safer choice.

For a new account

  1. Log in to WHM.
  2. Click Create a New Account.
    Screenshot: Click Create a New Account .
    Screenshot: Click Create a New Account .
    Screenshot: Click Create a New Account .
  3. Fill in the domain, username, password and email.
  4. Scroll down to Settings.
  5. Find Shell Access and tick the box for Allow the account to have SSH access. If you see a choice, pick Jailed Shell.
  6. Click Create.

For an existing account

  1. In WHM, search for Modify an Account and open it.
  2. Choose the account from the list and click Modify.
  3. Scroll to Shell Access.
    Screenshot: Scroll to Shell Access .
  4. Tick the box to allow SSH access.
  5. Click Save.

You can also use Manage Shell Access in WHM. Pick the account and choose the shell type from the list.

Test the login

  1. On your computer, open a terminal. On Windows, you can use PowerShell or a tool such as PuTTY.
  2. Type this command, using your own username and server address:
ssh username@your-server-address

This command asks the server to log you in as that user.

  1. Type the password when asked. Nothing shows as you type. That is normal.

The server address and port are in your welcome email. Some servers use a port other than the usual 22. Ask Hostvento support if the login does not connect.

Tip: Give SSH only to people who need it. Use a jailed shell when you can.

Quick recap

  • SSH lets you control a server with typed commands.
  • For new accounts, tick the shell access option when creating the account.
  • For old accounts, use Modify an Account or Manage Shell Access.
    Screenshot: For old accounts, use Modify an Account or Manage Shell Access .
    Screenshot: For old accounts, use Modify an Account or Manage Shell Access .
  • Prefer the jailed shell for safety.