> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://kmerhosting.com/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Troubleshoot VPS access

> Resolve SSH failures without exposing credentials or weakening server security.

<Frame caption="Capture only sanitized SSH output when asking for help.">
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/kmerhosting-a736a8a9/qmzUGdL1AajWuhXn/images/screenshots/vps-ssh-terminal.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=qmzUGdL1AajWuhXn&q=85&s=20f46fbd80fc0c18cf48dc2eb0dd12cd" alt="Capture only sanitized SSH output when asking for help." width="1600" height="900" data-path="images/screenshots/vps-ssh-terminal.png" />
</Frame>

## Connection refused

* Confirm the IP and SSH port.
* Confirm the VPS is active.
* Check provider firewall and server firewall.
* Verify the SSH service is running through provider console access when available.

## Permission denied

* Confirm the username.
* Confirm the correct private key is used.
* Check private-key file permissions.
* Confirm the public key is in the correct account.
* Avoid enabling password login globally as the first response.

## Host key changed

Verify that the server was rebuilt or the IP reassigned before removing the old host key. An unexpected change can indicate a security problem.