How do I log into my VPS?

With the following steps you'll be able to log into your brand new, super fast VPS at PlanetNode:

Step 1: Get your VPS credentials

You need the following information to log in:

• Primary IP: The IP address of your VPS
• Username: Your username (for example ubuntu for Ubuntu, debian for Debian, etc.)
• Password: the password you set when you ordered

You can find these details in two places:

1. In the delivery email you received after purchasing your VPS
2. On my.planetnode.net under your VPS service

The password is not in the email. It's the password you chose yourself when you ordered the VPS.

Step 2: Install an SSH client

Do you already have an SSH client installed?

• Windows: Install PuTTY or use Windows Terminal (Windows 10/11)
• macOS/Linux: SSH is already available by default via Terminal

Step 3: Connect

For Windows (PuTTY)

1. Open PuTTY
2. Paste the IP address in the "Host Name (or IP address)" field
3. Make sure port 22 is set and the type is SSH
4. Click "Open"
5. Enter your username (found on my.planetnode.net)
6. Enter your password (it won't be displayed while you type)

For macOS/Linux (Terminal)

1. Open Terminal
2. Type the following command (replace USERNAME and IP_ADDRESS with your details):

ssh USERNAME@IP_ADDRESS

3. The first time you'll get a security warning, type yes and press Enter
4. Enter your password

Step 4: You're connected!

You're now logged into your VPS. You'll see a command prompt where you can enter commands.

sudo apt update

sudo su -
# or
sudo -i

After a reinstall

After a reinstall you log in again with the default user of the operating system you chose. Your IPv6 address may change. Check in my.planetnode.net which address your VPS has now and update your DNS (AAAA records) and firewall rules if needed.

Common problems

"Connection refused"

Your VPS may be turned off. Check the status on my.planetnode.net and start your VPS if needed.

"Permission denied"

Check if your username and password are correct. Logging in as root? Use the default user instead, for example ubuntu or debian. You can reset your password via the client panel.

Still stuck, or do you see Permission denied (publickey)? See I can't log in to my VPS (Permission denied).