How to Login to Your Linux Dedicated Server / VPS Using SSH (Mac, Linux, Windows)

Your Dedicated Server / Virtual Private Server (VPS) has been successfully installed with your choice of Linux operating system. To manage your server, you need to connect to it using SSH (Secure Shell).

This guide explains how to log in from Mac, Linux, and Windows.

Your VPS Access Details

You would have received an email with details similar to the following:

 

  • VPS Name
  • IPv4 Address
  • Username
  • Password

 

 

You can connect using either the hostname or the IP address.

Login from Mac or Linux

Mac and Linux systems have SSH built in.

Steps

  1. Open Terminal

    • Mac: Applications → Utilities → Terminal

    • Linux: Open your Terminal application

  2. Run the following command:

     
    ssh username@xx.xx.xx.xx

    Or using the VPS hostname:

     
    ssh username@hostname

  3. If prompted with:

     
    Are you sure you want to continue connecting (yes/no)?

    Type:

     
    yes

  4. Enter the password provided in your email.

You are now logged in to your VPS.

 

Login from Windows (Using PowerShell)

Modern Windows versions (Windows 10 and above) include SSH by default.

Steps

  1. Open PowerShell

    • Press Win + X → Click Windows PowerShell

  2. Run the SSH command:

     
    ssh username@xx.xx.xx.xx

    Or:

     
    ssh username@hostname

  3. Type yes when asked to confirm the connection.

  4. Enter the VPS password.

You are now connected.

 

Login from Windows (Using PuTTY)

PuTTY is a popular free SSH client for Windows.

Step 1: Download PuTTY

Download PuTTY from the official site:
https://www.putty.org

Install and launch PuTTY.

Step 2: Configure PuTTY

  1. In Host Name (or IP address) enter:

     
    xx.xx.xx.xx

    or

     
    hostname

  2. Ensure:

    • Port: 22

    • Connection type: SSH

  3. Click Open

Step 3: Login

  1. Click Yes if a security alert appears.

  2. When prompted:

     
    login as:

    enter:

     
    username

  3. Enter the password provided in the email.

You are now logged in to your VPS.

 

Important Security Recommendations (Highly Recommended)

After your first login, we strongly recommend:

  1. Change your password

     
    passwd

  2. Set up SSH key-based login (more secure than passwords)

  3. Disable password login once SSH keys are configured

  4. Update your server

     
    sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

Troubleshooting

  • Connection timeout

    • Ensure port 22 is not blocked by your local firewall or network.

  • Wrong password

    • Passwords are case-sensitive. Copy-paste carefully.

  • Permission denied

    • Make sure the username is exactly ubuntu.

 

Need Help?

If you face any issues logging in, please contact our support team with:

  • Your VPS name

  • Error message (if any)

  • Screenshot (for PuTTY users)

 

We will be happy to assist you.

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