--- title: "Connecting to the Cloud Server | Hostman Docs" description: "Learn how to connect to server securely on Hostman’s platform. Let's securee your cloud infrastructure as much as possible." --- > For the complete documentation index for AI agents, see [llms.txt](https://hostman.com/llms.txt). You can find the credentials for `root` access to the server (IP address and password) on the server's Dashboard. You can also copy the SSH connection command directly from there. ![13943d26 F5c9 4c60 9191 Cb4ac02ea3e2](https://content.hostman.com/assets/c76559b7-132a-44a1-8ef6-1bed483faea7.png?width=1557&height=1394) ## Connecting via SSH You can work with the server via SSH using the [web console](https://hostman.com/docs/cloud-servers/web-console/) in the dashboard, but it may not always be convenient. It’s better to connect to the server via SSH using specialized software, depending on your computer’s operating system. The software may either be built-in or need to be installed separately. ### Linux, macOS, Windows 10 For Linux or macOS users, you can use the built-in **terminal** utility. On Windows, starting with version 10 (build 1809), there is a built-in SSH client, and you can use **Windows PowerShell** to connect via SSH. To connect to the [cloud server](https://hostman.com/cloud-server/): 1. Open a terminal or PowerShell and enter the following command, replacing it with your server's IP address: ```shell ssh root@server_IP_address ``` For example: ```shell ssh root@166.1.227.189 ``` 2. On your first connection, you’ll see a message asking for confirmation. Type `yes` and press **Enter**. 3. Next, you’ll be prompted for a password. Enter the password carefully, as the characters will not be displayed on the screen (you can copy the password from the Dashboard and paste it). 4. Press **Enter**. If all the details are correct, the connection will be established. ### Windows Without OpenSSH When using older versions of Windows, you’ll need an additional SSH client, such as PuTTY, to connect via SSH. You can download it from the [official website](https://www.chiark.greenend.org.uk/~sgtatham/putty/) and install on your machine. To connect using PuTTY: 1. Launch PuTTY. 2. Enter the connection details: - - **Host Name**: the server’s IP address (from the Dashboard) - **Port**: 22 You can save the session settings by entering a convenient name (e.g., `vds1`) in the **Saved Sessions** field and clicking **Save**. 3. Click **Open**. 4. Upon the first connection, an additional window will appear to confirm the connection. Click **Yes**. 5. A console window will open, where you need to enter your login and password: - - `login as`: enter `root`. - `password`: enter the password (the characters will not be shown on the screen). 6. Press **Enter**. If the credentials are correct, the connection will be established. Now you can enter commands directly in the console window. ## Connecting via SFTP SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol) is a secure protocol for working with files on a remote server. It allows you to transfer files, create directories, manage permissions, etc. Working with SFTP is similar to working with FTP, but the connection is established over the secure SSH protocol. FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is an older method for transferring files and is considered generally unsafe. It lacks encryption and has several security flaws that make it less suitable for usage, especially when dealing with sensitive data. We recommend using SFTP instead of FTP. > [!NOTE] > By default, Hostman servers allow SFTP connections. If you wish to use FTP, you need to set up FTP on your server manually. For establishing a connection, you need an SFTP client, such as FileZilla, WinSCP, Cyberduck etc. To connect, use the following credentials: - **Host**: Your server IP address (you can find this on the server's Dashboard) - **Username**: `root` or another user created on the server - **Password**: The password for that user - **Port**: 22 If RSA key authentication is used, you will also need to provide the passphrase (if you set it when creating the RSA key) and upload the contents of the public key. > [!NOTE] > We do not recommend connecting via SFTP as the `root` user. Not only does this pose security risks, but it can also be inconvenient. > > When you connect as root, you’ll start in the `root` home directory (`/root`). This means you’ll have to navigate through the file system to reach your project folders. > > Besides, any files you upload as `root` will be assigned the user and group `root:root`, which may prevent the web server from accessing them. This could lead to access errors for those new files. ### Using FileZilla for SFTP Connections You can download FileZilla client from the [official website](https://filezilla-project.org/index.php). #### Connecting to the Server 1. Launch the program and enter the necessary connection settings: - - **Host**: The IP address of your server. - **Username**: Either `root` or a user account created on the server. - **Password**: The password for the user. - **Port**: 22 (21 for FTP) ![Filezilla Wbgvva Yo B8](https://content.hostman.com/assets/8affa00d-0d84-4af2-8b67-8b0df211fbb1.png?width=905&height=203) _[FileZilla](https://filezilla-project.org/) interface_ 2. Click the **Quickconnect** button. If all the information is correct, the connection will be established. 3. The right side of the window will display the user account on the server, while the left side shows navigation through your local computer’s folders. ![Filezilla Ydszw Fcyrv](https://content.hostman.com/assets/705c5133-02c5-4ed3-ac9e-2f63e449b2be.png?width=1369&height=919) _[FileZilla](https://filezilla-project.org/) interface_ **Note**: FTP connections with encryption enabled won’t work by default. You need to configure FileZilla to either use "Use explicit FTP over TLS if available" (this is the default option) or "Use plain FTP" in the **File** → **Site Manager** settings. ### Uploading Files to the Server - To upload files to the server, navigate to the desired directory on the server (right side of the window), then select the files or folders on your computer (left side of the window). - Right-click on the selected items and choose "Upload to server" from the context menu. - Alternatively, you can drag and drop files from the left to the right side. - The file upload progress will be shown at the bottom of the window. ### Downloading Files from the Server - On the left side of the window, choose the directory where you want to save the files (e.g., "Downloads"). - On the right side, locate the files/folders you want to download. Right-click them and select "Download". - The files will be downloaded to the directory you selected. - You can also use drag-and-drop to download files from the server to your local computer. ### Saving the Connection Settings To avoid re-entering server details every time you connect, you can save the connection in the settings. - If the connection is already established: - Go to **File** → **Copy current connection to Site Manager**. - In the **Site Manager** window that opens, give a name to this connection. - For FTP connections, make sure "Use explicit FTP over TLS if available" is selected under **Encryption**. - Since the other settings are already filled in, click **OK** to save the connection. - If no connection is currently active: - Go to **File** → **Site Manager**. - In the **Site Manager** window, click **New Site** and give the connection a name. - Enter the necessary settings: **Host** (server IP), **Port** (21 for FTP, 22 for SFTP), **Username**, and **Password** (your server credentials). - For FTP connections, ensure that "Use explicit FTP over TLS if available" is selected under **Encryption**, and set "Passive mode" under the **Transfer Settings** tab. - Click **OK** to save the connection, or **Connect** to save and immediately connect to the server. In the future, you can connect to the saved server with just one click by selecting the saved connection from the list of sites in the **Site Manager**.