SSH (Secure Shell) gives you command-line access to your hosting account. You can use it to run commands, manage files, execute scripts, and perform tasks that are not available through cPanel's web interface. SSH is available on all shared hosting plans but may need to be enabled first.
For temporary, time-limited SSH access, whether it is for you or a developer you are authorizing, our SSH access request form issues a key that is locked to one IP address, expires on a date you choose, and can be revoked at any time. Learn more about temporary SSH access.
These steps are for shared and reseller hosting. Full root access on a VPS or dedicated server uses a separate signed request: complete the Shell Access Request Form and submit it with a support ticket.
Use cPanel Terminal
No software to install. Log into cPanel > Terminal (in the Advanced section) for instant command-line access in your browser.
01. Enabling SSH Access
SSH access is available on shared hosting but may not be enabled by default. If you try to connect via SSH and receive a "disabled" or "connection refused" message:
- Open a support ticket requesting SSH access
- We will enable it for your account after verification
- You will be notified when SSH is ready to use
cPanel Terminal works immediately without requesting SSH access. It uses the same shell but runs through the cPanel web interface. If you just need quick command-line access, try cPanel Terminal first (Section 3).
02. How to Connect
When SSH is enabled, we email you everything you need to connect: your server hostname, connection port, username, and a ready-to-use command. To connect, copy the command from that welcome email into a terminal. Your username is your cPanel username and the password is your cPanel password.
Mac and Linux
Open Terminal (built-in, no software needed) and paste the SSH command from your welcome email. Accept the host key fingerprint the first time, then enter your cPanel password when prompted.
Windows
Windows 10/11 includes a built-in SSH client. Open Command Prompt or PowerShell and paste the SSH command from your welcome email. If you prefer PuTTY (free), enter the server hostname, connection port, and username from that email and set the connection type to SSH.
03. cPanel Terminal (No SSH Client Needed)
cPanel includes a browser-based terminal that gives you the same command-line access without installing any software:
- Log into cPanel
- Scroll to the Advanced section
- Click Terminal
- Accept the terms of service
- Start typing commands
This is the fastest way to run quick commands. It works immediately without SSH being enabled separately.
04. SSH Client Software
If you prefer a dedicated SSH client:
- Windows: PuTTY (free), Windows Terminal (built-in on Windows 10/11), or MobaXterm (free)
- Mac: Terminal (built-in, no download needed)
- Linux: Terminal (built-in, no download needed)
05. Common Commands
# List files in current directory
ls -la
# Navigate to public_html
cd ~/public_html
# Check disk usage
du -sh ~/public_html/* | sort -rh | head -10
# Check PHP version
php -v
# Check Perl version
perl -v
# Find large files
find ~ -size +50M -type f
# Extract a zip file
unzip filename.zipNeed SSH Enabled?
Open a ticket to request SSH access for your account. Or use cPanel Terminal right now for instant command-line access.
Open a Support TicketQuick Recap
- cPanel Terminal - instant command-line access, no setup needed
- SSH may need enabling - open a ticket to request it
- Connection details - your server, port, and ready-to-use command are in your welcome email
- Mac/Linux/Windows 10+ - SSH client built in, just use Terminal
- Older Windows - download PuTTY (free)
Last updated March 2026 · Browse all Getting Started articles · See also: Server Paths
