To SSH into a Linux EC2 instance or VPS, you need its reachable address, the correct image-specific username, and a private key that matches the public key installed on the server. From a terminal, connect with ssh -i /path/to/private-key.pem username@server-address. Before trying, confirm the server is ready and that its network rules allow SSH from your computer.
What you need before connecting
- A running, reachable server: For a direct internet connection, use its public DNS name or public IP address. AWS also documents connections using IPv6. If the server has only a private address, you need an appropriate path into that network, such as a VPN, bastion host, or provider-managed connection feature.
- An SSH client: macOS and Linux commonly include the
sshcommand. AWS recommends enteringsshin a terminal to check; install an SSH client if the command is unavailable. OpenSSH is also documented for Windows. When using WSL, account for the Windows-specific location of your key file. - The right login name: Usernames depend on the server image or provider. AWS examples use
ec2-userfor Amazon Linux 2 andubuntufor Ubuntu. Check the image or VPS provider’s connection instructions rather than assuming either name applies everywhere. - The matching private key or another supported login method: The private key must correspond to a public key installed on the server. Keep the key private. AWS says it does not retain a copy of an EC2 private key and cannot recover it if you lose it.
- Permission through the network: For AWS’s documented direct connection, the security group must allow inbound SSH from your client’s IP address. A server can be running and still unreachable if routing or firewall rules block the connection.
See AWS’s EC2 instructions for connecting to a Linux instance with an SSH client and its overview of EC2 key pairs.
Connect from a terminal
- Find the connection details. Confirm the instance is ready, note its public DNS name or reachable IP address, identify its operating-system image, and locate the private key or supported alternative. If you are connecting directly to EC2 over the internet, confirm inbound SSH is allowed from your client address.
- Restrict key-file access on Linux or macOS. If the server uses a PEM key, run
chmod 400 /path/to/key.pem, replacing the path with the actual key-file location. This AWS example limits readability to the file owner. - Run the SSH command. Replace the username, key path, and address with the values for your server:
ssh -i /path/to/private-key.pem username@server-address - Check the first host-key prompt. On a first connection, SSH may say it cannot establish the authenticity of the host, show a fingerprint, and ask whether to continue. Compare the fingerprint with trusted information about the instance when available. If the fingerprints do not match, do not accept the connection: AWS warns that someone might be attempting a man-in-the-middle attack. If you accept a verified key, SSH records it in
known_hosts. - Confirm you reached the remote shell. A successful login gives you a shell on the server, often with a prompt showing the remote user or host.
AWS documents the chmod 400 example and connection command in its SSH connection guide.
Example: connect to a Linux EC2 instance
For an Amazon Linux 2 instance, set the key file to owner-readable and connect with ec2-user:
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chmod 400 /path/to/key.pemssh -i /path/to/key.pem ec2-user@PUBLIC_DNS_OR_IP
Replace PUBLIC_DNS_OR_IP with the instance’s actual public DNS name or address. For an Ubuntu image, AWS troubleshooting examples use ubuntu instead. Other images may use different usernames; check the relevant image instructions. AWS’s documented connection example also supports IPv6 when that is the address you are using.
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Example: connect to a DigitalOcean Droplet
If a key was added to the Droplet, specify it when necessary with -i:
ssh -i /path/to/private/key USERNAME@DROPLET_ADDRESS
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The username and authentication method depend on how the Droplet was created. DigitalOcean says a Droplet configured with an SSH key can be accessed with that key, possibly after entering its passphrase. Its documentation also covers password login in some circumstances; a first login using a default password prompts for a password change. These details are specific to DigitalOcean and should not be assumed for other VPS providers. See DigitalOcean’s instructions for connecting to a Droplet with SSH.
Choose the right connection route
- Local terminal over a public address: Use the SSH command when the server has a reachable public address and its network rules permit the connection.
- Private-network access: A private-only instance generally requires a route into its network, such as a VPN or bastion host, or a provider connection feature. The required setup depends on how that environment is configured.
- Provider-managed access: AWS documents Session Manager as an alternative to SSH key-pair access. Availability depends on instance configuration and the provider’s requirements.
- Key or password authentication: Use the method configured for that specific server. A key-based command requires the matching private key; some providers and server setups also support password login.
AWS discusses Session Manager and key-pair access in its EC2 key-pair documentation. For provider-specific alternatives, follow the current instructions for your instance.
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Fix common SSH connection errors
Permission denied (publickey)
- Check that the username matches the operating-system image.
- Make sure the private key corresponds to the public key installed on the instance.
- Confirm the command points to the intended key file with
-i.
AWS’s EC2 connection troubleshooting guide specifically directs users to check the username and private key.
SSH rejects the key file’s permissions
On Linux or macOS, try AWS’s restrictive example: chmod 400 /path/to/key.pem. Use the actual path to your private key.
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The connection times out or is refused
These errors do not, by themselves, show that the key is wrong. Check that the instance is ready, the address is correct, and the server is reachable through its public or private network route. For direct EC2 access, check that inbound SSH is allowed from your client IP. A private-only design, local outbound filtering, or a service that is not listening can also prevent a connection.
Host-key verification fails after a server replacement
Do not turn off host-key checking just to get past the warning. First verify that the address now belongs to the expected replacement server. For a replaced Droplet, DigitalOcean documents removing the old saved entry with ssh-keygen -R ADDRESS, replacing ADDRESS with the host name or address. Connect again only after confirming the new server’s identity.
You need more detail about the failed connection
Use verbose client output to inspect the connection attempt and the authentication methods offered. DigitalOcean recommends this approach in its SSH authentication troubleshooting instructions.
You lost the EC2 private key
AWS does not retain a copy of the private key, so it cannot recover a lost one. AWS notes that alternate recovery routes may exist for an instance, but the available method depends on its access and configuration. Consult AWS’s key-pair documentation and the recovery instructions appropriate to your setup.
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