1. Find your connection details
After provisioning, obtain the server IP address, SSH port and assigned login name from your service details. The authentication method may be a password or an SSH key. Do not assume the user is root or that the port is unchanged from a default.
2. Open an SSH client
Use an installed, compatible SSH client. Replace every uppercase placeholder below with the values for your service.
ssh -p PORT USERNAME@SERVER_IPFor key-based access, choose the correct private key in your SSH client. Keep the private key on your own device; never send it to support.
3. Verify the server identity
On the first connection, check the host-key fingerprint against a trusted value supplied through your service channel or confirmed with support before accepting it. An unexpected host-key change later needs investigation—not automatic acceptance.
4. Establish a safer routine
Use unique credentials and supported software. Consider SSH key authentication. Before changing remote-access rules, confirm you have an alternate recovery path. Keep your current session open while testing another login; do not disable a working authentication method until its replacement is verified.
5. When the connection fails
Check the address, port, username, network reachability and authentication method. Record the exact error and timestamp. Contact support with your service ID and relevant redacted details, without a password or private key.
Ubuntu Server: OpenSSH server documentation. Follow the documentation for your actual distribution and version.