---
title: OpenSSH
url: https://docs.vultr.com/products/compute/instances/cloud-gpu/connection/openssh
description: A secure protocol for remotely accessing and managing Vultr Cloud GPU instances through encrypted connections.
publish_date: 2024-09-23T20:20:15.497060Z
last_updated: 2026-05-26T18:48:00.320558Z
---

# How to Connect to a Vultr Cloud GPU Instance Using SSH

OpenSSH is a connection protocol that enables SSH access on a server. It's available and active on Vultr Cloud GPU instances by default to enable secure connections.

Follow this guide to connect to a Vultr Cloud GPU instance using SSH on your workstation.

## Connect to an Instance Using the Default User Credentials

1. Access your Cloud GPU instance's management page.
1. Note the default credentials within the **Overview** tab and copy the user password to your clipboard.
1. Open a new terminal window on your workstation.
1. Connect to your Vultr Cloud GPU instance using SSH.

    ```console
    $ ssh username@SERVER-IP
    ```

1. Enter `yes` and press :key_enter: when prompted to add the instance public key to your workstation's known hosts.

    ```
    The authenticity of host '192.0.2.123 (192.0.2.123)' can't be established.
    ED25519 key fingerprint is SHA256:gTAOuCiCa3Us4tpVaVHVk9d3qOjKrsqXPOsAFQbB8xw.
    This key is not known by any other names
    Are you sure you want to continue connecting (yes/no/[fingerprint])? yes
    ```

1. Paste your instance password when prompted and press :key_enter: to log in.

    ```
    username@SERVER-IP's password:
    ```

1. View the active user information in your SSH session.

    ```console
    $ whoami
    ```

## Connect to an Instance Using SSH Keys

> [!NOTE]
> Generate an SSH key on your workstation and add it to your instance during deployment. Adding an SSH key after deployment will result in data loss and wipe your instance to install the new key.

1. Open a new terminal window on your workstation.
1. Connect to your Vultr Cloud GPU instance using a specific SSH key on your workstation.

    ```console
    $ ssh -i /path/to/private/key username@SERVER-IP
    ```

1. Enter `yes` and press :key_enter: when prompted to add the instance public key to your workstation's known hosts.

    ```
    The authenticity of host '192.0.2.123 (192.0.2.123)' can't be established.
    ED25519 key fingerprint is SHA256:gTAOuCiCa3Us4tpVaVHVk9d3qOjKrsqXPOsAFQbB8xw.
    This key is not known by any other names
    Are you sure you want to continue connecting (yes/no/[fingerprint])? yes
    ```

1. View the active user information in your SSH session.

    ```console
    $ whoami
    ```