What you need
After a VPS provisions you get an IP address, a username (often root), and a password or SSH key. Shared hosting cPanel SSH is different — this article is for Cloud VPS and dedicated servers.
Linux and macOS
ssh root@YOUR_SERVER_IPIf you installed a public key at order time:
ssh -i ~/.ssh/your_key root@YOUR_SERVER_IPWindows
Windows 10/11 includes OpenSSH. In PowerShell run the same ssh command. PuTTY is fine if you already use it — paste the IP, port 22, and your user.
First login hardening
- Change the root password or disable password login after keys work.
- Create a sudo user and (optionally) disable direct root SSH.
- Allow port 22 only from addresses you trust if you use a firewall.
- Keep the OS updated (
apt update && apt upgradeon Ubuntu/Debian).
If SSH times out, confirm the IP, that the VPS is running in the client area, and that you are not blocking outbound 22 on your network. Open a ticket if the console/VNC in the panel works but SSH does not.
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