SSH is the normal way to manage a Linux VPS. It gives you a terminal on the server so you can install software, edit files, check logs, and run game server commands.
You need the VPS IP address, SSH username, and either the password or an SSH key.
Connect from Linux or macOS
- Open Terminal.
- Run the SSH command with your VPS IP address:
ssh root@your-vps-ip
Replace your-vps-ip with the real VPS IP address.
If your VPS uses a different username, replace root with that username.
Connect from Windows
On modern Windows, open Windows Terminal or PowerShell and use the same SSH command:
ssh root@your-vps-ip
You can also use PuTTY if you prefer a separate SSH client.
If SSH does not connect
- Check the VPS is powered on.
- Check you are using the public VPS IP address.
- Check the username is correct for the operating system image.
- Confirm port
22is open unless you changed the SSH port. - Use the VPS console if a firewall rule or failed boot is blocking SSH.
If you are using SSH keys, add the key first: How to add an SSH key to your VPS.
