> ## Knowledge Base Index > Fetch the complete knowledge base index at: https://help.simplyprint.io/sitemap.xml > Use this file to discover available pages before exploring further. > Pure-Markdown content can be obtained by appending a '.md' suffix to the content URLs listed in the sitemap (without the trailing slash). # SSH: What is it and how to use it # SSH: What It Is and How to Use It SSH, or **Secure Shell**, is simply a way to type commands on another device from your computer. Think of it like a text chat with your device — you type a command, it does the thing. With SSH, you can: - Send commands to another computer - Access files - Troubleshoot issues - Set up software and configurations **No coding skills needed** — we'll give you the exact commands to copy and paste. --- ## What You Need Before You Start 1. **IP Address**: The network address of the device you want to connect to. - **Important:** The IP address must be just the numbers, like `192.168.1.100` - Do **not** include `http://`, `https://`, slashes, or port numbers 2. **Username and Password**: Credentials for the device (e.g., the default for many Raspberry Pi setups is `pi` / `raspberry`, or `root` for some devices). --- ## Windows 10 / 11 Modern Windows has SSH built-in — no extra software needed. 1. **Open Terminal or PowerShell** - Press `Win` + `X` and select **"Terminal"** or **"PowerShell"** 2. **Type the SSH command** (replace the placeholders): ``` ssh username@ip-address ``` Example: ``` ssh root@192.168.1.42 ``` Press Enter. 3. **First-time connection warning** - If asked *"Are you sure you want to continue connecting?"*, type `yes` and press Enter. This is normal for first-time connections. 4. **Enter your password** - Type your password and press Enter. - **Note:** The password won't show as you type — that's normal! Just type it and press Enter. You're now connected! --- ## macOS 1. **Open Terminal** - Press `Cmd` + `Space` to open Spotlight, type **"Terminal"**, and press Enter. 2. **Type the SSH command** (replace the placeholders): ``` ssh username@ip-address ``` Example: ``` ssh root@192.168.1.42 ``` Press Enter. 3. **First-time connection warning** - If asked *"Are you sure you want to continue connecting?"*, type `yes` and press Enter. 4. **Enter your password** - Type your password and press Enter. - **Note:** The password won't show as you type — that's normal! Just type it and press Enter. You're now connected! --- ## Linux 1. **Open Terminal** - Usually `Ctrl` + `Alt` + `T`, or find it in your applications menu. 2. **Type the SSH command** (replace the placeholders): ``` ssh username@ip-address ``` Example: ``` ssh root@192.168.1.42 ``` Press Enter. 3. **First-time connection warning** - If asked *"Are you sure you want to continue connecting?"*, type `yes` and press Enter. 4. **Enter your password** - Type your password and press Enter. - **Note:** The password won't show as you type — that's normal! Just type it and press Enter. You're now connected! --- ## Chromebook **First-time setup:** You need to enable Linux on your Chromebook (one-time only). 1. **Enable Linux** (skip if already done): - Open **Settings** - Go to **Advanced** → **Developers** - Turn on **"Linux development environment"** - Follow the setup wizard (this may take a few minutes) 2. **Open Terminal** - Open the **"Terminal"** app from your app launcher. 3. **Type the SSH command** (replace the placeholders): ``` ssh username@ip-address ``` Example: ``` ssh root@192.168.1.42 ``` Press Enter. 4. **First-time connection warning** - If asked *"Are you sure you want to continue connecting?"*, type `yes` and press Enter. 5. **Enter your password** - Type your password and press Enter. - **Note:** The password won't show as you type — that's normal! Just type it and press Enter. You're now connected! --- ## Other Devices (Tablets, Phones) While there are various unofficial SSH apps available for Android and iOS devices, **we recommend using a computer** for SSH connections. Computer-based SSH provides: - A proper keyboard for typing commands - Better visibility of command output - More reliable connections - Easier copy/paste of commands If you must use a mobile device, search your app store for "SSH client" — but be aware that support for these apps varies and we cannot provide assistance with them. --- ## Common Issues **"Connection refused"** - Make sure you're on the same network as the device - Verify the IP address is correct - Check that SSH is enabled on the device **"Permission denied"** - Double-check your username and password - Remember: passwords are case-sensitive **"Host key verification failed"** - The device was likely reset or reinstalled - Remove the old key by running: ``` ssh-keygen -R ip-address ``` Then try connecting again. **No response / timeout** - Ensure the device is powered on - Confirm it's connected to your network - Try pinging the IP address first: `ping 192.168.1.42` --- ## Tips - **Finding your device's IP address**: Check your router's admin panel, or use a network scanning tool like [Angry IP Scanner](https://angryip.org). - **SSH keys for password-less login**: Advanced users can set up SSH keys to avoid entering passwords every time. - **Keep your credentials safe**: Never share your SSH passwords publicly. --- Got questions or need help? Reach out to our support team, and we'll be glad to assist you!