SSH keys allow you to log in to your server without a password. They are more secure than password-based login and recommended for regular SSH users.

Step 1 — Generate an SSH key in cPanel

1. Log in to cPanel.
2. Under the Security section, click SSH Access.
3. Click Manage SSH Keys.
4. Click Generate a New Key.
5. Fill in the key name (or leave the default id_rsa), set a strong passphrase, and click Generate Key.
6. Go back to Manage SSH Keys. Under Public Keys, find your new key and click Manage.
7. Click Authorize to activate the key.

Step 2 — Download the private key

1. Under Private Keys, click View/Download next to your key.
2. Click Download Key and save the file to your computer.

Step 3 — Connect using your SSH key

On Windows (PowerShell / Windows Terminal):

1. Move the downloaded private key to a safe location, e.g. C:UsersYourName.sshid_rsa.
2. Connect with: ssh -i C:UsersYourName.sshid_rsa yourusername@yourdomain.com

On macOS / Linux:

1. Move the key to ~/.ssh/id_rsa and set permissions: chmod 600 ~/.ssh/id_rsa
2. Connect with: ssh -i ~/.ssh/id_rsa yourusername@yourdomain.com

Using an existing local key (advanced)

If you already have an SSH key pair on your computer, you can upload the public key (.pub file) instead. In cPanel → SSH Access → Manage SSH Keys, click Import Key and paste your public key content.