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Do you want to manage your Linux server directly from your Android phone while on the move? Whether you’re a developer, a system administrator, or a tech-savvy user working with a VPS or Raspberry Pi, this guide will help you make secure SSH connections from your Android device — in just a few minutes.
This comprehensive SSH Android tutorial covers everything you need: from choosing the best SSH from Android app to setting up key authentication, how to connect to VPS from Android, and solving common problems. Let’s dive in.
What is SSH and Why Use It from Android?
SSH (Secure Shell) is a protocol that allows secure remote SSH login Android from one computer to another. Typically used to access Unix-based systems (like Linux servers), SSH from Android is widely used in DevOps, web hosting, and system administration tasks.
Benefits of Mobile SSH Access
- Manage servers on-the-go: Fix critical issues without needing a laptop.
- Automate tasks remotely: Run scripts or reboot systems from anywhere.
- Access development environments: Especially useful for developers using remote Linux containers or VPS.
- Emergency access: If your main computer fails, you can still access your infrastructure using your phone.
When You Need Android-Based SSH
- You’re traveling or away from your workstation.
- You want to monitor logs or check server status.
- You need to troubleshoot or restart services quickly.
- You run a home server or Raspberry Pi and prefer mobile control.
Best Android Apps for SSH Connections
Here are three popular android SSH clients for Android, tested and reviewed for reliability, features, and ease of use.
Termius
- Pros: Modern UI, cloud sync, SSH key management, port forwarding, snippets.
- Cons: Some features locked behind premium.
- Ideal for: Developers who want a polished and feature-rich SSH experience.
JuiceSSH
- Pros: Free, fast, customizable keyboard, supports identity management.
- Cons: UI slightly outdated, no recent updates.
- Ideal for: Users looking for a lightweight and reliable Android SSH client.
ConnectBot
- Pros: Open-source, lightweight, no ads, supports SSH keys.
- Cons: Minimalist interface, less user-friendly for beginners.
- Ideal for: Advanced users who want total control without fluff.
Comparison Table
|
Feature |
Termius |
JuiceSSH |
ConnectBot |
|
SSH Key Support |
✅ Yes |
✅ Yes |
✅ Yes |
|
Port Forwarding |
✅ (Pro only) |
✅ Yes |
✅ Limited |
|
Cloud Sync |
✅ (Pro only) |
❌ |
❌ |
|
UI Modernity |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
⭐⭐⭐ |
⭐⭐ |
|
Free Version Limit |
Moderate |
Generous |
Fully Free |
|
Ideal For |
Devs & Teams |
General Users |
Power Users |
Step-by-Step Guide to Connect via SSH on Android
We’ll use Termius for this Termius SSH Android tutorial due to its modern interface and active development.
Step 1: Install Termius from Google Play
Search for “Termius” on the Play Store and install the official app.
Step 2: Create a New Host Profile
1. Open the app and tap the “+” icon → New Host
2. Enter the following details:
Label: Your server name
Hostname: Server IP or domain
Port: Default is 22 (unless you changed it)
Username: Server login user (e.g., root)
Step 3: Add Authentication Method
Choose between password login or SSH key-based login (recommended).
- To use password: Enter your password in the password field.
- To use SSH Key: Continue to the next section.
Step 4: Save and Connect
Tap the save icon. Then tap on the new host profile to connect to VPS from Android. If everything is correct, you’ll see the server terminal open up in your app!
How to Set Up SSH Key Authentication on Android?
Using SSH keys is more secure than using passwords. Here’s how to set Android SSH key authentication:
Generate SSH Key in Termius
- Go to Keys in the sidebar.
- Tap + → Generate new key.
- Choose key type: RSA or ED25519 (more secure).
- Save the key.
Add Public Key to Your Server
To copy the key to your server:
1. Tap your new key → Copy Public Key
2. SSH into your server using password (first-time only)
3. Add the key to ~/.ssh/authorized_keys using this command:
echo "your-copied-public-key" >> ~/.ssh/authorized_keys
chmod 600 ~/.ssh/authorized_keys
4. Log out and reconnect to VPS from Android using the Termius host with the key.
Want a more detailed guide on this? Check out our tutorial on how to connect to SSH with a private key.
Security Best Practices for SSH on Android
Security is critical when accessing servers over public networks. Follow these tips:
- Use SSH keys, not passwords.
- Disable root login and create a sudo user instead.
- Change default SSH port (from 22 to something custom).
- Enable Fail2Ban or firewall rules on the server.
- Avoid public Wi-Fi unless using a VPN.
- Update Termius or JuiceSSH regularly for security patches.
Want to learn more about SSH and how it compares to RDP? Check out this breakdown on SSH vs RDP.
Troubleshooting SSH Connection Issues on Android
Even with the right setup, connecting SSH from Android can run into common issues. Let’s break down the most frequent problems and how to resolve them effectively.
⚠️ Port Errors
Symptoms:
- Connection hangs or fails immediately.
- Error message like "Connection refused" or "Network unreachable."
How to Fix:
Check if port 22 is open on your server:
Run the following command on your server:sudo ss -tuln | grep :22
This checks if your server is listening on port 22.
Verify SSH service is running:
Use:sudo systemctl status sshd
You should see active (running) in the output. If not, start it:
sudo systemctl start sshd
Custom SSH port? Update the app settings:
If your server uses a non-standard port (e.g., 2222), you must update the port number in your Android SSH app (Termius, JuiceSSH, etc.).
Firewall might be blocking the port:
Check your firewall rules:
sudo firewall-cmd --list-all
Or allow port 22:sudo firewall-cmd --add-port=22/tcp --permanent
sudo firewall-cmd --reload
🚫 Permission Denied (Publickey)
Symptoms:
- Error: "Permission denied (publickey)"
- Login fails when using SSH keys
How to Fix:
Ensure the correct public key is uploaded:
Your public key should be copied exactly into your server’s ~/.ssh/authorized_keys file.
You can check it with:
cat ~/.ssh/authorized_keys
Verify permissions on the .ssh folder and key file:
Incorrect permissions will cause SSH to reject the key.chmod 700 ~/.ssh
chmod 600 ~/.ssh/authorized_keys
Use the correct private key in the app:
- In Termius or JuiceSSH, ensure the matching private key is selected under identity.
- A mismatch will always cause a rejection.
Server user mismatch:
- Double-check that you're connecting as the correct user (e.g., root or a custom user).
- A public key added for userA won't work if you connect as userB.
Need a more advanced Termius SSH Android tutorial? Read our complete guide on how to connect to SSH with private key.
⌛ Connection Timeout
Symptoms:
- App hangs on “Connecting...”
- Error: "Connection timed out"
How to Fix:
1. Check if the server is reachable:
- Ping the server’s IP from your Android device:
ping your-server-ip
- Or use a network utility app like PingTools.
2. Ensure SSH is not blocked by a firewall or provider:
- Your server host (e.g., cloud provider) might have a network security group blocking port 22.
3. Try a different network:
- Switch from mobile data to Wi-Fi or vice versa.
- Some ISPs block port 22.
4. Server might be down:
- Use your provider’s control panel or a monitoring service to confirm uptime.
Still stuck? Check out our guide on how to connect SSH on Linux via MikroTik Winbox — it includes troubleshooting tips for SSH access.
Conclusion: Access Your Server from Anywhere
With the right SSH app and security setup, your Android phone can become a powerful tool for managing servers and remote SSH login Android. Whether you’re handling a Linux VPS, Raspberry Pi, or even enterprise-grade infrastructure, Android SSH access gives you flexibility and control on the go.
Ready to try it out? Buy a Linux VPS and start managing it from your phone today.
Have a method that works better for you? Tried another app? Drop your suggestions in the comment section — we might feature your tips in our next guide!
I'm fascinated by the IT world and how the 1's and 0's work. While I venture into the world of Technology, I try to share what I know in the simplest way with you. Not a fan of coffee, a travel addict, and a self-accredited 'master chef'.