Accessing Your WordPress Site via SSH

What is SSH Access?

Secure Shell (SSH) is a protocol that provides a secure, encrypted connection directly to your WordPress site's server. This powerful tool is intended for developers and technically advanced users, allowing you to manage your site's files and perform administrative tasks from a command-line interface. With SSH, you can use tools like WP-CLI, manage files in bulk, and troubleshoot issues more efficiently than through standard web-based dashboards.

How to Find Your SSH Credentials

All necessary connection details are provided within your CRM. Follow these steps to locate them:

1. Log into your CRM account.
2. Navigate to the Sites section and select WordPress.
3. On your WordPress site's dashboard, find and open the Advanced Settings tab.
4. Look for the section labeled FTP/SSH Access.
5. Here you will find the four required credentials:
   • Host / Server Address: The server location for your site.
   • Username: Your unique login name for the server.
   • Password: A generated password for authentication. You may need to click a button to reveal or regenerate it.
   • Port: The specific port number to use for the SSH connection.

Connecting to Your Server

Once you have your credentials, you can connect using a terminal application on your computer.

For macOS and Linux Users

1. Open the Terminal application.
2. Type the SSH command using your credentials, following this format:
   ssh username@hostname -p port
   For example: ssh wpuser_example@server.example.com -p 22
3. Press Enter.
4. If this is your first connection to this server, you will see a security prompt. Type yes and press Enter to continue.
5. When prompted, paste or type your password. For security, no characters will appear on screen as you type.
6. Press Enter again. You are now connected to your server via SSH.

For Windows Users

Windows 10 and 11 include a built-in SSH client accessible through PowerShell.

1. Open Windows PowerShell.
2. Use the exact same ssh username@hostname -p port command format described above.
3. Follow the same steps to accept the security prompt and enter your password.

Troubleshooting Connection Problems

If you encounter errors while trying to connect, here are some common solutions:

• "Connection Refused" or "Connection Timed Out": Double-check that you are using the correct Port number from your dashboard. Ensure your local network or firewall is not blocking outgoing SSH connections on that port.
• "Permission Denied" Error: This typically indicates incorrect login credentials. Carefully verify your Username and Password, ensuring no extra spaces are copied. You can try generating a new password in the CRM dashboard.
• Repeated Timeout Errors: The server's firewall may have temporarily blocked your IP address due to multiple failed login attempts. Wait for about 15 minutes before trying again.

If you continue to experience issues after verifying all your credentials, please contact our support team for further assistance.