How to Connect to a Linux Server Remotely

The process for connecting to a Linux server remotely depends on the operating system you use on your local device. This guide explains how to connect to a Linux server using SSH username and password authentication from Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android devices.

Whether you manage a VPS, a dedicated server, or another server hosting environment, SSH provides a secure way to administer your Linux system remotely. If you are comparing hosting options, a reliable hosting provider should also provide clear server login credentials and accessible management tools. These features are useful when evaluating USA hosting services or selecting a USA hosting provider for your applications.

Prerequisites

Before connecting, make sure you have the following information:

• Server IP address or hostname: The public IP address or hostname of your Linux server.
• Username: The account name used to log in.
• Password: The password associated with that account.
• SSH port: The default SSH port is 22, unless your server administrator has configured a different port.

After your server is deployed, the login credentials are usually sent to your registered email address. You can also find the server login information, including the username, password, and port, in the Database Mart control panel. Refer to the guide on how to manage servers in the Database Mart control panel.

These details are required whether you use a Linux server for application deployment, remote administration, or a server hosting workload. When choosing a hosting provider, confirm that you can access your server credentials and management tools.

Connect from Windows

You can connect to a Linux server from Windows using SSH clients such as PuTTY and Xshell. You can also use the built-in OpenSSH client available on supported Windows systems.

This section uses PuTTY as an example to explain how to connect to a Linux server from a local Windows computer. Remote SSH access is a routine task for IT professionals and Linux administrators who manage server hosting environments.

Save a Server Login Profile in PuTTY

PuTTY allows you to create and save session profiles for different servers. This means you do not have to enter the connection information every time you connect.

1. Download PuTTY and install or open it on your local computer.

2. Open the PuTTY client by launching putty.exe.

3. In the PuTTY Configuration window, configure the following settings under Session:

   • Host Name (or IP address): Enter the public IP address or hostname of your Linux server.
   • Port: Enter 22 by default. If your server uses a custom SSH port, enter that port instead.
   • Connection type: Select SSH.

   You can find the server connection information on the overview page in the Database Mart control panel. If you need help locating it, refer to the guide on how to manage your server.

4. Under Connection > Data, enter the username in the Auto-login username field.

   In this example, we use administrator. However, the correct username depends on your Linux distribution and server configuration. Use the username provided for your server.

5. Return to Session. Enter a name in the Saved Sessions field and click Save.

   The next time you connect, select the saved session and click Load or double-click the saved session to open it.

If you prefer video instructions, refer to these YouTube tutorials:

• How to Connect to Linux Server via PuTTY
• Windows Meets Linux: Effortlessly Connect Your VPS with Xshell's SSH Tool
• Free XRDP Installation: How to Access Debian 10 Server via Windows Server

Note: XRDP provides graphical desktop access, whereas PuTTY and Xshell primarily provide terminal-based SSH access. For most command-line Linux administration tasks, SSH is the recommended option.

Log In to the Linux Server

After configuring the session:

1. Open the saved session in PuTTY. A terminal window will appear and prompt you to log in if you have not configured an automatic username.
2. Enter your username if prompted.
3. When the terminal asks for the password, enter the password associated with your account and press Enter.

The password will not appear on the screen as you type. This is normal behavior in SSH terminals.

If you have copied your password, you can usually right-click in the PuTTY terminal to paste it. Check that the pasted password is correct before pressing Enter.

Once authentication succeeds, you should see the Linux command prompt and be able to manage your server remotely.

Connect from macOS, Windows, and Linux Using the Command Line

You can connect to a Linux server directly from the command line without installing a third-party SSH client, provided that an SSH client is available on your local system.

For video instructions, see:

• How to Access and Run Basic Linux Commands with CMD (10 Simplest File Management Commands)
• How to Access Linux Server via Mac

Step 1: Open a Command-Line Interface

The process varies slightly by operating system:

• macOS: Open Terminal.
• Windows: Open Command Prompt, PowerShell, or Windows Terminal. Make sure the OpenSSH client is installed and available.
• Linux: Open your preferred terminal application.

Step 2: Connect to the Linux Server

If your server uses the default SSH port, 22, run the following command:

ssh username@hostname_or_ip

Replace the placeholders with your actual login information:

• username: The username for your Linux server.
• hostname_or_ip: The server's public IP address or hostname.

For example:

ssh administrator@192.0.2.10

Replace the example IP address with your actual server address.

Step 3: Connect Using a Custom SSH Port

If your server uses a port other than 22, specify it with the -p option:

ssh -p port username@hostname_or_ip

Replace port with the configured SSH port.

Step 4: Verify the Server's Host Key and Authenticate

When you connect to a server for the first time, SSH may display a message asking whether you trust the server's host key.

Verify the host key or fingerprint through a trusted source before accepting it. If it matches, type yes and press Enter.

Next, enter your password when prompted. The password will not be displayed as you type.

Once authentication succeeds, you can execute commands on your Linux server. This method works across many server hosting setups and is convenient for managing remote infrastructure without a graphical interface.

Connect from Mobile Devices

You can connect to a Linux server from an iOS or Android device using an SSH client. This allows you to perform basic server administration when you are away from your computer.

Several SSH clients are available for both platforms. This guide uses Termius for iOS and JuiceSSH for Android as examples.

Download an SSH Client

• iOS: Download Termius from the App Store and follow the app's setup instructions.
• Android: Search for JuiceSSH in a trusted app store or consult its official distribution information before installing it.

Connect from iOS

1. Open Termius and select New Host.

2. Enter and save the following connection details:

   • Hostname: The public IP address or hostname of your Linux server.
   • Use SSH: Enable SSH.
   • Port: Enter 22 or your server's custom SSH port.
   • Username: Enter the username used to log in to the server.
   • Password: Enter the password associated with the account.

3. Open the Hosts page and select the server you configured.

4. Follow the app's prompts to establish the connection and verify the server's identity if prompted.

When authentication succeeds, the SSH terminal opens and you can manage your Linux server.

Connect from Android

For Android devices, follow the steps in this video tutorial:

How to Use JuiceSSH to Connect to a Linux VPS from Android

The exact interface may vary depending on the SSH client version. In general, you will need to enter the server's hostname or IP address, SSH port, username, and password.

Troubleshooting Common SSH Connection Issues

If you cannot connect to your Linux server, check the following:

• Incorrect credentials: Verify the username and password in your hosting control panel.
• Incorrect port: Confirm that you are using the correct SSH port.
• SSH service unavailable: Check whether the SSH service is running on the server.
• Firewall restrictions: Make sure the server firewall and any network-level firewall allow connections to the configured SSH port.
• Network connectivity: Confirm that the server's public IP address is correct and that your local network can reach it.
• Host key warning: Verify the server fingerprint before accepting a new or changed host key.

If you still cannot connect, contact your hosting provider for assistance. For Database Mart customers, use the Database Mart control panel to access your account and submit a support ticket.