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Terminal Craft Journal Author
Published: July 22, 2026
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In: Technology & Development

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Last updated: July 2, 2023

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To install OpenSSH on Ubuntu and enable it, you can follow these steps:

  1. Check if OpenSSH is already installed using the command: dpkg -l | grep openssh-server.
  2. If OpenSSH is not installed, update the package list with: sudo apt update and install OpenSSH server with: sudo apt install openssh-server.
  3. Start the OpenSSH service: sudo systemctl start ssh.
  4. Optionally, enable automatic start at boot: sudo systemctl enable ssh.
  5. Allow SSH traffic through the firewall using the command sudo ufw allow ssh.

OpenSSH provides secure and efficient remote access with benefits like enhanced security, versatile functionality, efficiency, and cross-platform compatibility. However, you may encounter common errors like “Permission Denied (publickey),” “Connection Refused,” “Host Key Verification Failed,” and “Connection Timed Out.” Understanding and resolving these errors is crucial for a smooth and secure remote access experience.

Continue reading the guide below to learn to install OpenSSH on Ubuntu and Enable It. Also learn the benefits and common errors of installing and enabling OpenSSH.

In today’s interconnected world, secure remote access to systems is essential for efficient collaboration and system administration. One powerful tool that ensures secure communication between systems is OpenSSH. From enhanced security measures to seamless remote administration, OpenSSH empowers you to connect to remote systems with ease. Say goodbye to vulnerabilities and hello to a world of secure file transfers, secure tunnels, and secure remote command execution. In this comprehensive guide, I will walk you through the step-by-step guide to  install OpenSSH on Ubuntu and enable it. I have also discussed the common errors and benefits of installing and enabling OpenSSH.

How to Install OpenSSH on Ubuntu and Enable It

To install OpenSSH on Ubuntu and enable it, ensure that your system meets the requirements of Ubuntu operating system, access to Terminal, administrative privileges, and internet connectivity. By fulfilling these prerequisites, you can proceed with the installation and configuration of OpenSSH, enabling secure remote access and administration capabilities on your Ubuntu system. Here is a step-bystep guide:

  1. Open a Terminal on your Ubuntu system.
opening terminal 1
  1. Enter the following command to check if OpenSSH is already installed:

<strong>dpkg -l | grep openssh-server</strong>
  1. If OpenSSH is already installed, you will see it listed in the output.
checking whether openssh is installed or not
  1. If OpenSSH is not already installed, you can install it by following these steps:
  2. Update the package list by running the command:

<strong>sudo apt update</strong>
  1. The command will update the system package list.
updating system packages
  1. Install the OpenSSH server package by running the following command:

<strong>sudo apt install openssh-server</strong>
  1. Press Enter to continue the installation.
installing openssh server package
  1. To start the OpenSSH service, use the following command:

<strong>sudo systemctl start ssh</strong>
  1. This command will initiate the OpenSSH service, allowing remote access to your Ubuntu system.
starting ssh service in ubuntu
  1. To stop the OpenSSH service, use the following command:

<strong>sudo systemctl stop ssh</strong>
  1. This command will stop the OpenSSH service.
stopping ssh service in ubuntu
  1. To enable the OpenSSH service to start automatically at boot, use the following command:

<strong>sudo systemctl enable ssh</strong>
  1. This command configures the OpenSSH service to launch automatically when your Ubuntu system starts up, ensuring persistent remote access.
auto enable ssh service on boot
  1. To disable the automatic start of the OpenSSH service at boot, use the following command:

<strong>sudo systemctl disable ssh</strong>
  1. This command prevents the OpenSSH service from starting automatically during system boot, thereby disabling remote access by default.
disabling auto start ssh service on boot
  1. To allow SSH traffic through the firewall and ensure secure remote access, first of all check the current firewall status by running:

<strong>sudo ufw status</strong>
  1. This command will display the current status of the firewall.
checking current status of firewall
  1. If the firewall is inactive, enable it by running:

<strong>sudo ufw enable</strong>
  1. This command will activate the firewall on your system.
enabling firewall on system
  1. Allow SSH traffic by running:

<strong>sudo ufw allow ssh</strong>
  1. This command will add a rule to allow incoming SSH connections through the firewall.
allowing ssh traffic
  1. Verify the firewall rules by running: