How to Connect to VPS Using SSH (Windows, Mac, Linux)

Step-by-step guide to connect to your VPS via SSH. Covers PuTTY on Windows, Terminal on Mac/Linux, SSH keys, and common errors.

2026-01-14 7 min read Amsterdam, Netherlands

What is SSH and Why Use It?

SSH (Secure Shell) is the standard protocol for connecting to and managing Linux VPS servers remotely. All commands, file transfers, and administrative tasks on a Linux VPS are performed via SSH. It encrypts all communication between your computer and the server, keeping your credentials and data secure.

When you order a Netherlands Linux VPS, you receive an IP address, username (typically root), and either a password or SSH key by email. You use these credentials to connect via SSH.

Connecting from Windows

Method 1: Windows Terminal / PowerShell (Recommended)

Windows 10/11 includes a built-in SSH client. Open PowerShell or Windows Terminal and run:

ssh root@YOUR_VPS_IP

Replace YOUR_VPS_IP with your actual VPS IP address. Type yes to accept the host fingerprint, then enter your password.

Method 2: PuTTY

Download PuTTY from putty.org. Open PuTTY, enter your VPS IP in the Host Name field, ensure Port is 22 and Connection type is SSH, then click Open. Enter root as the username and your password when prompted.

Connecting from Mac or Linux

Open Terminal (Mac: Cmd+Space, type Terminal) and run:

ssh root@YOUR_VPS_IP

If you received a password, enter it when prompted. If you received an SSH key file (.pem or .key), connect with:

chmod 400 your-key.pem
ssh -i your-key.pem root@YOUR_VPS_IP

Setting Up SSH Keys (Recommended)

SSH keys are more secure than passwords. Generate a key pair on your local machine:

# Generate key pair
ssh-keygen -t ed25519 -C "my-vps-key"

# Copy public key to your VPS
ssh-copy-id root@YOUR_VPS_IP

After this, you can connect without a password. Disable password authentication in /etc/ssh/sshd_config for maximum security:

PasswordAuthentication no
PubkeyAuthentication yes

Then restart SSH: systemctl restart sshd

Change SSH Port (Security)

The default SSH port 22 is constantly scanned by bots. Changing it reduces noise significantly:

# Edit SSH config
nano /etc/ssh/sshd_config

# Change: Port 22 to Port 2222 (or any unused port)
Port 2222

# Restart SSH
systemctl restart sshd

# Connect with custom port
ssh -p 2222 root@YOUR_VPS_IP

Common SSH Connection Errors

Error	Cause	Fix
Connection refused	SSH not running or wrong port	Check port, restart sshd
Permission denied	Wrong password or key	Reset password in client area
Host key changed	VPS reinstalled	Remove old key from known_hosts
Connection timed out	Firewall blocking port 22	Allow port 22 in UFW: ufw allow 22

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Frequently Asked Questions

The default SSH port is 22. For security, it is recommended to change this to a non-standard port (e.g., 2222 or any unused port above 1024) after initial setup to reduce automated bot scanning.

Use an SSH client app. On iOS, Termius or Prompt are popular. On Android, Termux (free) or JuiceSSH work well. Enter your VPS IP, port 22, username root, and password or key.

SSH password authentication uses your server password to log in. SSH key authentication uses a cryptographic key pair — a private key on your device and a public key on the server. SSH keys are more secure because they cannot be brute-forced and do not transmit your password over the network.

Yes. Use scp (secure copy) or sftp (SSH file transfer protocol). Example: scp myfile.txt root@YOUR_VPS_IP:/var/www/html/. You can also use graphical tools like FileZilla (use SFTP protocol) or Cyberduck on Mac.

This is usually caused by a NAT keepalive timeout. Add ServerAliveInterval 60 to your ~/.ssh/config file (on your local machine) to send keepalive packets every 60 seconds and prevent disconnections.