Connect to Your WordPress Site Over SSH

SSH gives developers and advanced users an encrypted command-line connection to the server running a WordPress site. It is handy for bulk file work, WP-CLI commands, and reading server error logs.

Why use SSH

• Bulk file management: move, copy, edit, or delete large numbers of files quickly.
• WP-CLI: manage plugins, themes, users, and the database from the terminal.
• Troubleshooting: read error logs as problems happen.
• Security: traffic is fully encrypted, unlike plain FTP.

Find your credentials

1. Click Sites, then WordPress.
2. Open the Advanced Settings tab for your site.
3. Scroll to FTP/SSH Access.
4. Note the Host, Username, Password, and Port. Click the eye icon or Generate to reveal or create the password.

Connect from Mac, Linux, or Windows

1. Open Terminal on Mac or Linux, or PowerShell on Windows 10 and later.
2. Run: ssh username@host -p port, replacing the placeholders with your details.
3. If prompted to trust the server the first time, type yes.
4. Paste your password. Nothing appears on screen as you type, which is normal.
5. Press Enter to connect.

Prefer a graphical client? In PuTTY, enter the host and port, keep the connection type on SSH, click Open, and sign in when asked.

Fixing common errors

• Connection refused: confirm the port matches the dashboard and that your network allows outgoing SSH.
• Permission denied: check for stray spaces in the credentials or generate a new password.
• Timeouts: repeated failed attempts can briefly block your address; wait about 15 minutes and retry.

Good to know: Take a backup before running bulk delete or database commands, because changes made through SSH are immediate and cannot be undone from the dashboard.