Quick answer: Open the Terminal app and run ssh root@YOUR_SERVER_IP — the OpenSSH client is preinstalled on macOS and virtually every Linux distribution. Enter the root password from your Cloud2Y service page and you're connected.
Overview
macOS and Linux are the most straightforward platforms for VPS administration: a full OpenSSH client (ssh, scp, sftp, ssh-keygen, ssh-copy-id) is already there. This covers connecting, copying files, and small quality-of-life settings like an SSH config file.
Before you start
- Server IP + root password from the service page.
- Terminal: macOS — Terminal or iTerm2; Linux — any terminal emulator.
Step-by-step guide
- Open the terminal and connect:
ssh [email protected] - Type
yesat the first host-key prompt, then the password. - Copy files with
scporrsync:scp backup.tar.gz [email protected]:/root/ rsync -avz ./site/ [email protected]:/var/www/site/ - Optional — save the connection in
~/.ssh/config:
Then simply runHost myvps HostName 203.0.113.10 User root Port 22ssh myvps.
Common issues
- Connection refused/timeout? Verify the IP and that the VPS is running on the service page; test the KVM Console.
- REMOTE HOST IDENTIFICATION HAS CHANGED? Normal after an OS reinstall: run
ssh-keygen -R 203.0.113.10and reconnect. - Slow login? Often reverse-DNS lookups — usually harmless; connection proceeds after a pause.
When to contact support
If SSH fails from several networks and the KVM Console is unresponsive too, open a support ticket — include your IP, time of the attempts and any error text.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to install an SSH client on macOS?
No — macOS ships with the full OpenSSH suite: ssh, scp, sftp and ssh-keygen are already available in Terminal.
How do I copy files to the VPS?
Use scp for single files or rsync for folders and repeat syncs, e.g. rsync -avz ./site/ root@IP:/var/www/site/.
Why does SSH warn that remote host identification changed?
Usually after an OS reinstall the server has new host keys. Remove the old one with ssh-keygen -R YOUR_IP and reconnect.
Related articles
- How to set up SSH keys
- How to connect to VPS via SSH
- How to create a new user on Linux VPS
- How to secure your VPS after deployment
Need a hand? Contact Cloud2Y support →
