Before You Start

The instructions below apply to servers with public IP addresses.

If your server is on a private network only (no public IP), you cannot connect to it directly from the internet. You need to either set up port forwarding on your router or connect through a VPN. See the article on managing the VyOS Router for instructions. Once your router is configured, follow the connection steps below as usual – using the router’s public IP and forwarded port (for port forwarding) or the server’s private IP (over VPN).

Where to Find Connection Details

Open your server in the client portal. On the Overview tab, the Server Information section shows:

• Public IP address
• Default username: root (same for all Linux templates: Ubuntu, Debian, AlmaLinux, Rocky)
• Password (click to reveal)

For SSH key authentication, select one of your saved keys through the Manage SSH Keys panel on the Overview tab (to add a new key, use the Create Server page or the Security section of your client portal). See the article on managing SSH keys for the full process.

Connecting from Windows

Via Windows Terminal / PowerShell

Using SSH key:

ssh -i C:\Users\Username\Downloads\your_key.pem root@ip_address

Using password:

ssh root@ip_address

Third-party clients:

1. PuTTY
   Classic SSH client for Windows. Requires conversion of .pem to .ppk using PuTTYgen.
2. Termius
   Cross-platform SSH client with support for profiles and SSH keys. Available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.

Connecting from macOS / Linux

Via built-in terminal (SSH)

Using SSH key:

ssh -i ~/Downloads/your_key.pem root@ip_address

Using password:

ssh root@ip_address

Optional third-party clients:

1. Termius
   Graphical SSH client for macOS and Linux. Supports profiles, tags, and key management.
2. Core Shell (macOS only)
   User-friendly terminal with a visual SSH connection manager and full key support.
3. Remmina (Linux only)
   Versatile remote access client supporting SSH, RDP, VNC, and more.

VNC Console (Fallback)

If SSH does not work (forgotten password, firewall blocking the connection, network misconfiguration inside the server), you can use the browser-based VNC Console.

On the Overview tab click the Console button in the action bar. The console opens as an inline panel on the server’s Overview tab (an “Open full screen” option is available if you prefer a separate tab). No SSH client or public IP is required.

This is useful for troubleshooting network issues from inside the server.