How to Connect to a Self-Managed VPS or VDS Using an SSH Key

After adding an SSH public key to your self-managed VPS or Virtual Dedicated Server (VDS), you can connect to your VPS via SSH using the matching private key.

SSH (Secure Shell) creates an encrypted connection between your computer and server, allowing you to manage your VPS or VDS from the command line.

Before You Begin

Make sure you have the following:

• A Bluehost Self-Managed VPS or VDS.
• Your server's public IP address.
• An SSH key pair.
• The matching private key saved on your computer.
• An SSH client, such as Terminal, PowerShell, or Windows Terminal.

If you have not added your SSH public key yet, see How to Add an SSH Key on a Self-Managed VPS and VDS.

Connect to Your VPS or VDS Using SSH

The SSH command you use depends on your operating system and the location of your private key.

Linux and macOS

1. Open Terminal.
2. Run the following command:
   Replace your_server_ip with your actual server IP address.

   ssh -i /path/to/private-key root@your_server_ip

Replace the following:

• /path/to/private-key with the location of your private SSH key.
• your_server_ip with the public IP address of your VPS or VDS.

For example:

ssh -i ~/.ssh/id_ed25519 [email protected]

Windows

You can use PowerShell or Windows Terminal to connect using OpenSSH.

1. Open PowerShell or Windows Terminal.
2. Run the following command:
   Replace your_server_ip with your actual server IP address.

   ssh -i C:\path\to\private-key root@your_server_ip

For example:

ssh -i C:\Users\YourName\.ssh\id_ed25519 [email protected]

Specify an SSH Port

SSH uses port 22 by default. If your server uses a different SSH port, specify it with the -p option:

ssh -i ~/.ssh/id_ed25519 -p 22 root@your_server_ip

Replace 22 with the SSH port configured on your server.

Complete the SSH Connection

When connecting to your server for the first time, SSH may display a message asking you to confirm the server's host key.

If you recognize the server and its IP address, enter yes.

SSH may also ask for the passphrase associated with your private key. Enter the passphrase you created when generating the SSH key.

Once authentication succeeds, you should see a command prompt similar to [root@server ~]#.

You are now connected to your self-managed VPS or VDS.

Troubleshoot SSH Connection Errors

If you cannot connect, check the following common issues.

Permission Denied (publickey)

If you receive a Permission denied (publickey) error, make sure that:

• You are using the correct private key.
• The corresponding public key was added to the server.
• The server IP address is correct.
• You are connecting with the correct username.

You can verify your SSH keys in the Bluehost Portal. For more information, see How to View Your SSH Key Content on a Self-Managed VPS and VDS.

Identity File Not Found

If SSH cannot find your private key, check the path specified with the -i option.

On Linux or macOS, you can view the SSH keys in your .ssh directory by running:

ls -l ~/.ssh/

Use the correct private key filename in your SSH command.

Bad Permissions on Private Key

On Linux or macOS, SSH may reject a private key if other users have access to the file.

To restrict access to your private key, run:

chmod 600 ~/.ssh/id_ed25519

Then try connecting again.

Connection Timed Out

If the connection times out, verify the following:

• Your VPS or VDS is running.
• You are using the correct public IP address.
• You are using the correct SSH port.
• Your server's firewall allows SSH connections.

Keep Your SSH Key Secure

Your private SSH key can provide access to your server, so keep it secure.

Follow these best practices:

• Never share your private key.
• Store your private key in a secure location.
• Use a passphrase to protect your private key.
• Never add your private key to the Bluehost Portal.
• Remove SSH keys you no longer need.

If you no longer need an SSH key, remove it from your server. For instructions, see How to Delete an SSH Key on a Self-Managed VPS and VDS.

Related Bluehost Articles

• How to Add an SSH Key on a Self-Managed VPS and VDS
• How to View Your SSH Key Content on a Self-Managed VPS and VDS
• How to Delete an SSH Key on a Self-Managed VPS and VDS
• Troubleshooting SSH Key Errors on a Self-Managed VPS and VDS

Summary

To connect to your VPS via SSH, use your private key with the command ssh -i /path/to/private-key root@your_server_ip, replacing the private key path and server IP address with your own information. If your private key is protected with a passphrase, enter it when prompted. Once authenticated, you can securely manage your self-managed VPS or VDS from the command line.