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SSH Basics

Learn how to run an SSH server on your Android device with Andronix, either from Termux (recommended) or from inside your Linux distro.

Docs for Andronix app 8.x (Classic)

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SSH lets you access your device's shell remotely. This page covers two ways to run an SSH server: from Termux and from inside your Linux distro.

We recommend running the SSH server from Termux rather than from the Linux environment. An SSH server running in Termux gives you control of both your device and your Linux OS. Both methods are described below.

SSH via Termux

Follow this guide to learn how to run an SSH server from Termux. The tutorial is officially provided by one of the Termux developers.

SSH via Linux

Since Linux runs through PRoot, it cannot override Android's default connectivity configuration, so the SSH port number needs to be changed. Follow the steps below to run SSH from Linux:

Install OpenSSH

Install OpenSSH inside Linux. Pick the command for your distro from the list below:

Ubuntu 20

apt install openssh-server nano -y

Ubuntu 18

apt install openssh-server nano -y

Kali Linux

apt install openssh-server nano -y

Debian

apt install openssh-server nano -y

Manjaro

pacman -S openssh nano --noconfirm

Arch

pacman -S openssh nano --noconfirm

Fedora

dnf install -y openssh-server nano

Alpine

apk add openssh-server nano

Void

xbps-install openssh nano

Modifications

Once the OpenSSH server is installed, you need to change a few settings so it's reachable over the network despite Android's limitations. Open the SSH config file:

nano /etc/ssh/sshd_config
  • Find the line #Port 22 and change it to Port 2222.
  • Find the line #PermitRootLogin prohibit-password or #PermitRootLogin yes and change it to PermitRootLogin yes. If it already says PermitRootLogin yes, you don't need to change anything.
  • When you're done, press CTRL+X, type Y and press Enter to save.

Generate Keys

Next, generate the host keys by running:

ssh-keygen -A

and then:

ssh-keygen

Password

Now set a password for the root user by running:

passwd

Enter any password you like.

Start SSH Server

Once that's done, start the SSH server by running:

/usr/sbin/sshd

Connect

Run the following command:

ip a

and copy the IP address listed under wlan. To connect to the SSH server, run:

ssh root@localhost -p 2222

and log in with the password you set earlier.

Next steps

Want a graphical desktop instead? See VNC Basics.

"Cannot Link Executable" Error

Fix the "CANNOT LINK EXECUTABLE" libssl.so.3 error for wget, curl and other Termux utilities by switching mirrors, upgrading packages or reinstalling OpenSSL.

Termux Security

How Andronix mirrors Termux releases from F-Droid, and how to verify the APK yourself using MD5 checksums and VirusTotal reports.

On this page

SSH via TermuxSSH via LinuxInstall OpenSSHUbuntu 20Ubuntu 18Kali LinuxDebianManjaroArchFedoraAlpineVoidModificationsGenerate KeysPasswordStart SSH ServerConnectNext steps