How to enable SSH (Shell) in cPanel

Secure Shell (SSH) is a cryptographic network protocol that is used to log into the system via a secure channel. With the help of SSH, you can safely exchange data between two devices. For more detailed information, visit here.

Enabling SSH access allows for: 

• Remote hosting control
• The ability to add, remove, edit, backup and restore hosting files and directories
• The easy import and export of your database
• An established connection between 2 different servers

However, there are some downsides with enabling SSH:

• More difficult to use than a web interface
• Increased security risks

The Manage Shell plugin provided by Namecheap allows you to enable or disable SSH access for your respective Shared Hosting accounts (except Reseller Hosting, VPS, and Dedicated servers) with just a few clicks.

Firstly, locate the Manage Shell plugin from your cPanel: cPanel >> the Exclusive for Namecheap Customers section >> Manage Shell:

By default, SSH access is disabled for hosting accounts.

There are 3 options related to enabling SSH keys:

• Managing SSH keys
• Generating a new key
• Importing a key

All these options will take you to the SSH Access menu in your cPanel. Detailed instructions can be found in this guide.

To enable SSH, turn the toggle button on. After it has been enabled, you will then see how you can manage your SSH.

Once SSH is enabled, the Terminal menu will appear in cPanel, in the Advanced section.

Feel free to explore more about SSH clients here.