SSH gives you a secure command-line connection to your hosting account, for tasks like running WP-CLI, importing large databases or managing files in bulk. This short guide covers the connection details you need. The full walkthrough is in How to Use SSH, SSH Keys and Terminal in cPanel.
Connection details
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Host | Your domain, such as example.com (or secure.instantaccess.net if your domain isn't pointed at us yet) |
| Port | 22 -- the standard SSH port |
| Username | Your cPanel username |
| Login | An SSH key (recommended) or your cPanel password |
From Mac, Linux or Windows Terminal/PowerShell, connect with:
ssh username@example.comOlder notes may say SSH runs on a non-standard port. That's no longer the case -- use port 22.
No SSH client? Use Terminal in cPanel
You can also run commands right in your browser: log in to cPanel and go to Advanced > Terminal. It opens the same command line with nothing to install.
If you can't connect
- If Terminal is missing from cPanel, or SSH refuses a correct password, shell access may not be turned on for your account. Open a ticket and ask.
- For "Permission denied (publickey)", timeouts and other errors, see How to Fix "Permission Denied (publickey)" and Other SSH Connection Errors.
- Repeated failed logins can get your IP address blocked by the server's security system. Include your IP address in the ticket -- see What Is My IP Address, and Why Does Support Ask for It?.
Related guides
- How to Use SSH, SSH Keys and Terminal in cPanel
- How to Create an SSH Key on Windows, Mac and Linux and Add It to cPanel
- How to Transfer Files Securely with SFTP and SCP
Still stuck? Open a support ticket and the Instant Access Internet Services team will help.
