How to Enable Root SSH on Debian/Ubuntu Servers

Why Enable Root SSH Login?

Allowing SSH root access gives you full control over your server. Here are the main benefits:

• Manage files and folders – edit or back up system directories that normal users cannot access.
• Simplify maintenance and troubleshooting – install services, update packages, or fix configuration issues.
• Support automation and scripts – run cron jobs and tasks that require full root privileges.

Important:
Enabling root SSH increases security risks. Always use a strong password, consider changing the SSH port, and configure firewall rules.

Steps to Enable Root SSH on Debian/Ubuntu

Step 1: Log in to the Server

Use a regular user (e.g., administrator) to connect via PuTTY or your SSH client.

ssh administrator@your-server-ip

Step 2: Switch to Root User

Run the following command and enter your password:

sudo -i

Step 3: Set Root Password

Create and confirm a root password:

passwd root

Step 4: Edit SSH Configuration

1. Open the SSH config file:

nano /etc/ssh/sshd_config

2. Find this line:

#PermitRootLogin prohibit-password

3. Remove the # and change it to:

PermitRootLogin yes

4. Save and exit (Ctrl + X, then Y, then Enter).

Step 5: Restart SSH Service

Restart the SSH service so changes take effect:

sudo systemctl restart ssh

For Ubuntu 24 early releases, if the above fails, run:

sudo systemctl daemon-reload
sudo systemctl restart ssh.socket

Step 6: Test Root SSH Login

Open a new SSH session and log in with:

ssh root@your-server-ip

Enter the root password you set earlier. You now have SSH root login enabled!

Optional: Secure Root SSH Access

Since root login via SSH can be risky, we recommend:

• Change SSH port from 22 to something above 1024 (e.g., 1217): How to change the SSH port
• Use firewall rules to allow only trusted IPs.
• Use SSH keys instead of passwords for stronger security.