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

# Connect to your Linux VPS with SSH

> Log in to your HostCloud Linux VPS from Windows, Mac or Linux using SSH.

SSH (Secure Shell) is a secure way to control your Linux server by typing commands. This guide shows you how to log in to your HostCloud VPS for the first time.

## What you need

| Detail | Where to find it |
| - | - |
| Server IP address | Your VPS welcome email, or **Main IP** on the server panel in the Client Area |
| Username | `root` |
| Password | Your VPS welcome email |

To open the server panel, click **Services** in the top menu (page: **My Products & Services**), then open your VPS.

![The VPS server panel in the Client Area, showing the server name, Main IP, Power, Restart and Console buttons, and the Overview, Network, Reinstall, Firewall, Snapshots, Backups and Logs tabs](https://mintcdn.com/host-cloud/RZlILv_TrgPxefdL/images/vps/server-overview.jpg?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=RZlILv_TrgPxefdL\&q=85\&s=335384bf9e80dd37a30fb714ae01d1bc)

## Connect

In the commands below, replace `203.0.113.10` with your server's IP address.

**Windows**

Windows 10 and 11 include SSH, so you don't need to install anything.

**1. Open PowerShell**

Press the **Windows** key, type `PowerShell` and open it.

**2. Connect**

Type this and press **Enter**:

```bash theme={null}
ssh root@203.0.113.10
```

**3. Accept the server's fingerprint**

The first time you connect, you'll be asked whether you trust the server. Type `yes` and press **Enter**.

**4. Enter your password**

Paste or type the password from your welcome email and press **Enter**. Nothing appears on screen while you type. That's normal.

**Mac / Linux**

**1. Open Terminal**

On a Mac, open **Terminal** (search for it with Spotlight). On Linux, open your terminal app.

**2. Connect**

Type this and press **Enter**:

```bash theme={null}
ssh root@203.0.113.10
```

**3. Accept the server's fingerprint**

The first time you connect, type `yes` and press **Enter** to trust the server.

**4. Enter your password**

Paste or type the password from your welcome email and press **Enter**. Nothing appears on screen while you type. That's normal.

When you see a command prompt ending in `#`, you're logged in as `root`.

> [!NOTE]
>
> If your welcome email gives a different SSH port, add it to the command with `-p`. For example, `ssh -p 2222 root@203.0.113.10`.

> [!WARNING]
>
> `root` has full control of your server. Change the password from your welcome email after you first log in, and never share it. You can also add an SSH key when you reinstall your server from the **Reinstall** tab, so you can log in without a password.

## Forgot the root password?

**1. Open the Overview tab**

On the server panel, click the **Overview** tab and find **Root Credentials**.

**2. Reset the password**

Leave the reset method as **Password (default)** and click **Reset Password**.

## Can't connect?

> **Connection timed out or refused**
>
> Check that the server is running: the server panel should show **Running**. If it doesn't, use **Power** to start it, or click **Restart**. If you've set up a firewall on the **Firewall** tab or inside the server, make sure it allows SSH.

> **Permission denied**
>
> The password is wrong. Copy it again carefully, with no extra spaces, or reset it as shown above.

> **I locked myself out**
>
> Click **Console** on the server panel. It opens your server's screen in your browser, so you can log in and fix the problem even when SSH isn't working.

> [!NOTE]
>
> HostCloud VPS plans are semi-managed. We help with server access and the network, and you look after the software on your server. See [Support hours and what we cover](/support/support-scope-and-hours.md).

Still stuck? [Open a ticket](/support/open-a-ticket.md) with your server's IP address and the exact error message.


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