Cannot SSH into server.

Connection refused or permission denied when attempting SSH.

SSH service not running, SSH configuration incorrect, public key not in authorized_keys, or firewall blocking.

Steps:

1. Verify SSH service running: `sudo systemctl status ssh`
2. Check SSH config: `sudo cat /etc/ssh/sshd_config`
3. Ensure your public key is in `~/.ssh/authorized_keys`
4. Check firewall: `sudo ufw status`

Test SSH configuration changes before applying. Keep backup of working SSH config.

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Last updated: 2026-06-19

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