How do I add SSH keys to my account?
How to add SSH keys to your DirectAdmin account for passwordless SFTP and SSH login.
SSH keys let you log in via SFTP or SSH without entering a password. You add your public key in DirectAdmin; the private key stays on your computer.
INFO
The SSH Keys option only appears when SSH access is enabled on your account. If you don't see it, open a ticket at planetno.de/ticket to request SSH access.
Step 1: Generate an SSH key (if you don't have one)
On your computer, open a terminal and run:
ssh-keygen -t ed25519 -C "your_email@example.com"TIP
We strongly recommend ed25519. It is faster, more secure per bit, and uses shorter keys than RSA while offering comparable or better security. RSA is fine if your system doesn't support ed25519.
Or for RSA (e.g. on older systems):
ssh-keygen -t rsa -b 4096 -C "your_email@example.com"Press Enter to accept the default file location. Optionally set a passphrase for extra security.
Your public key is saved in ~/.ssh/id_ed25519.pub or ~/.ssh/id_rsa.pub. Open this file and copy the entire line—you'll need it in the next step.
Step 2: Add the key in DirectAdmin
- Log in to DirectAdmin via the link in your welcome email, or go to my.planetnode.net, open your webhosting product, and click the login button
- Go to Advanced Features → SSH Keys
- Click Paste Key in the Actions box
- Paste your public key (the full line from
id_ed25519.puborid_rsa.pub) - Add an optional comment (e.g. "My laptop") to identify the key
- Click Create
Step 3: Verify
Your key should appear under Authorized Keys. You can now connect via SFTP or SSH without entering your password when using the key on your computer.
Key format
A public key looks like this:
ssh-ed25519 AAAAC3NzaC1lZDI1NTE5AAAAI... your_email@example.comor:
ssh-rsa AAAAB3NzaC1yc2EAAAADAQABAAAC... your_email@example.comPaste the entire line as a single line—no line breaks in the middle.