How to connect via SSH on Hostinger
Quick Answer
Log into hPanel, enable SSH Access under Advanced, copy the exact SSH command (ssh username@hostname -p PORT), paste it into your terminal or PuTTY, enter yes to accept host authenticity, then input your FTP password to connect. Use Hostinger's custom port like 65002, not 22. Most issues resolve by verifying credentials and re-enabling SSH.
Prerequisites
- Hostinger Web Premium, Web Business, or cloud hosting plan (upgrade from Web Single if needed)
- Access to hPanel dashboard
- FTP username and password (same for SSH)
- Terminal or SSH client (PuTTY for Windows)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1
Log in to hPanel
Access your Hostinger account at hPanel and select the relevant hosting plan from the dashboard. Ensure you have a Web Premium, Web Business, or cloud plan as SSH is unavailable on Web Single plans.
2
Navigate to SSH Access settings
Go to Websites → Dashboard, then search for or navigate to Advanced → SSH Access (or directly to the SSH page). This is where all SSH configuration happens.
Use the search bar in hPanel sidebar for quick access to 'SSH Access'.
3
Enable SSH access
On the SSH Access page, locate the SSH status section and click or toggle the Enable button. Confirm activation—your server will now accept SSH connections on the custom port.
SSH is disabled by default; enabling generates the connection command.
4
Copy the SSH command
On the same SSH Access page, find the Log in to SSH or SSH Command section and copy the provided command. It uses this syntax:
ssh username@hostname -p PORTusername is your hosting account username, hostname is like server123.hostinger.com, and PORT is non-standard (e.g., 65002, never assume 22). Click the copy icon next to the command for easy pasting.
5
Open your terminal or SSH client
Launch your platform's terminal: On Linux, press Ctrl + Alt + T; on macOS, search Terminal in Spotlight; on Windows, use PuTTY (download recommended), PowerShell, or cmd (Win + R →
cmd). For PuTTY, enter hostname, port, and username manually if not pasting command. PuTTY has a one-click download link on Hostinger's SSH page.
6
Run the SSH command
Paste the copied command into the terminal (right-click to paste) and press Enter. You'll see a host authenticity warning like:
The authenticity of host 'hostname (IP)' can't be established.
ECDSA key fingerprint is SHA256:...
Are you sure you want to continue connecting (yes/no/[fingerprint])?yes and press Enter. Right-click pasting works seamlessly on Windows; Linux shows a menu.
7
Enter your password
When prompted for the password, type your SSH password (same as your main domain's FTP password; typing is invisible—no dots or characters show). Press Enter. Right-click to paste if needed. If forgotten, return to hPanel → SSH Access or FTP section to set a new password (applies to both) or create SSH-only password.
Password won't display for security; just type confidently and hit Enter.
8
Verify successful connection
A successful login shows a shell prompt like
-bash-4.2$ or username@hostname:~$. You are now connected and can run commands in your home directory. Access is restricted to your home directory and below for security.
9
Optional: Set up SSH keys for enhanced security
For passwordless login, generate SSH keys (public/private pair) using PuTTY on Windows or terminal on Unix/macOS, then add the public key in hPanel: SSH Access → Add SSH key, paste public key content (e.g., from id_rsa.pub), name it, and save. Enable SSH first. Private key stays local—never share it.
Highly recommended for frequent access; follow Hostinger's key generation tutorials.
Common Issues & Troubleshooting
Connection refused (no server response)
Verify using exact port from hPanel (e.g., 65002, not 22); ensure SSH is enabled; copy command precisely. Check firewall with <code>sudo lsof -i -n -P | grep LISTEN</code> and allow port.
Terminal closes immediately after password
Disable SSH in hPanel, re-enable it, then retry connecting.
Wrong credentials or forgotten password
SSH uses same FTP password; reset in hPanel under SSH Access or FTP section for both, or set SSH-only password.
Host authenticity warning repeats
Type <code>yes</code> once to add host to known_hosts; if issues persist, clear ~/.ssh/known_hosts entry for that host.
Web Single plan—no SSH option
Upgrade to Web Premium or higher for SSH access.