---
title: How to enable SSH (Shell) in cPanel?
description: "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](https://washahost.com/tutorials/what-is-ssh/). Enabling SSH…"
url: "https://www.washahost.com/kbs/how-to-enable-ssh-shell-in-cpanel/"
updated: "2023-05-11"
category: Hosting
---

# 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](https://washahost.com/tutorials/what-is-ssh/).

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.

**For cPanel Basic Theme:**

  Firstly, locate the Manage Shell plugin from your cPanel:** cPanel >> **the **Exclusive for Namecheap Customers **section **>> Manage Shell:**  ![](https://namecheap.simplekb.com/SiteContents/2-7C22D5236A4543EB827F3BD8936E153E/media/manage_shell_basic_1.png)  By default, SSH access is disabled for hosting accounts.  ![](https://namecheap.simplekb.com/SiteContents/2-7C22D5236A4543EB827F3BD8936E153E/media/manage_shell_basic_2.png)  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](https://www.namecheap.com/support/knowledgebase/article.aspx/9428/89/how-to-connect-via-ssh-using-keys).

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

   ![](https://namecheap.simplekb.com/SiteContents/2-7C22D5236A4543EB827F3BD8936E153E/media/manage_shell_basic_3.png)

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

 ![](https://namecheap.simplekb.com/SiteContents/2-7C22D5236A4543EB827F3BD8936E153E/media/cpanel_terminal_menu_03.png)

**For cPanel Retro Theme:**

   Firstly, locate the Manage Shell plugin from your cPanel:** cPanel >> **the **Exclusive for Namecheap Customers **section **>> Manage Shell:** ** **  ![](https://namecheap.simplekb.com/SiteContents/2-7C22D5236A4543EB827F3BD8936E153E/media/manage_shell_retro_1.png)   By default, SSH access is disabled for hosting accounts.   ![](https://namecheap.simplekb.com/SiteContents/2-7C22D5236A4543EB827F3BD8936E153E/media/manage_shell_retro_2.png)  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](https://washahost.com/tutorials/how-to-connect-via-ssh-using-keys/).

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

   ![](https://namecheap.simplekb.com/SiteContents/2-7C22D5236A4543EB827F3BD8936E153E/media/manage_shell_retro_3.png)

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

 ![](https://namecheap.simplekb.com/SiteContents/2-7C22D5236A4543EB827F3BD8936E153E/media/terminal_retro.png)

 

 Feel free to explore more about SSH clients [here](https://washahost.com/tutorials/how-to-enable-ssh-shell-in-cpanel/).