Your hosting provider stores these credentials, not your computer

Your SSH username and password are not generated by your computer or stored in a folder you can browse. Your hosting provider — the company that runs the server where your website or files live — creates and holds this information. You retrieve it from their control panel, usually called cPanel, Plesk, or a custom dashboard, depending on which host you use.

The username is often your account name or a variation of it. The password is something the host either assigned to you when you signed up or that you created yourself. If you cannot remember it, the host can reset it, but you cannot look it up from your local machine.

Key Takeaways

  • SSH credentials come from your hosting provider's control panel, not from your computer or email.
  • Most hosts display your SSH username in the account settings or server information section, usually without requiring a password reset.
  • If you have lost the password, your hosting provider can reset it, and you will receive a new one by email or see it in the control panel when ready.
  • The exact location of this information varies by host — cPanel, Plesk, and custom dashboards each organize it differently.
  • Write down or save your SSH credentials in a password manager once you find them, so you do not have to search again.

Finding your username in cPanel

If your host uses cPanel, log in to your hosting account at the URL your provider gave you (often something like yourdomain.com:2083 or hosting.yourhost.com). Look for a section called "Account Information," "SSH Access," or "Remote Access." In cPanel, the SSH username is usually displayed right there — it is often the same as your cPanel username or your primary domain name without the extension.

You do not need to do anything to "unlock" this information. It is straightforward listed. Write it down or copy it into a password manager. If you see a button labeled "Generate SSH Key" or "Manage SSH Keys," that is for a different authentication method (key-based login) and is optional — you can use a password instead.

Finding your username in Plesk

Plesk is another common control panel. Log in to your Plesk dashboard (your host will have provided the URL). Click on your domain name or account name in the left sidebar. Look for "SSH Access" or "Remote Access" in the menu. Your SSH username will be displayed there, usually as a line that says "SSH user" or "Login" followed by the actual username.

Like cPanel, Plesk shows this information without requiring you to unlock or generate anything. If you see options for SSH keys, those are for advanced users and are not necessary if you plan to use a password.

Finding your password or resetting it

If you remember creating an SSH password when you set up your account, that password is the one you use. If you do not remember it, or if your host assigned one and you never saved it, you will need to reset it through the control panel.

In cPanel, look for "SSH Access" or "Password Manager" and select the option to change or reset your SSH password. In Plesk, go to your account settings and find "SSH Password" or "Remote Access Password." Both will let you set a new password when ready. You do not have to wait for an email — the new password takes effect right away, though some hosts send a confirmation email as well.

If you cannot find a password reset option in the control panel, contact your hosting provider's support team. They can reset it for you and either show you the new password in the panel or send it by email. This usually takes a few minutes.

Custom dashboards and other hosts

Some hosting providers build their own control panels instead of using cPanel or Plesk. Look for a section labeled "Server," "SSH," "Terminal Access," "Remote Access," or "Account Details." The information is almost always in one of these sections. If you cannot find it after checking the main menu and any "Settings" or "Account" area, check your host's help documentation — they usually have a guide showing exactly where SSH credentials appear.

If your host is very small or uses an older system, SSH information might be in a welcome email from when you signed up. Search your email for "SSH," "username," or "server details." If you still cannot locate it, email your host's support team with the subject line "SSH username and password" — they will point you to the right place or provide the credentials directly.

Storing your credentials safely

Once you have found your SSH username and password, do not leave them in a text file on your desktop or in an unencrypted note. Use a password manager — programs like Bitwarden, 1Password, KeePass, or LastPass store credentials encrypted and behind a master password. Most password managers can fill in SSH details automatically when you need them, and they sync across your devices.

If you use the same password for SSH as you do for other accounts, change it now. Your SSH password should be unique and strong — at least 12 characters, with uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols. A password manager generates strong passwords for you and remembers them, so you do not have to.

What to do if you cannot access the control panel

If you have forgotten the password to your hosting control panel itself (not the SSH password), you cannot reach the SSH credentials. Most hosts have a "Forgot Password" link on the login page. Click it, enter your email address, and follow the reset link they send you. This usually takes a few minutes.

If you do not have access to the email address associated with the account, contact your host's support team. They will ask you to verify your identity — usually by providing your domain name, account number, or the last four digits of the credit card on file — and then reset your control panel password. This can take a few hours to a business day depending on the host's support hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my SSH password the same as my control panel password?

No. Your control panel password (cPanel, Plesk, etc.) is separate from your SSH password. You can change one without affecting the other. Some hosts set them to the same value initially, but they are stored separately and can be reset independently.

What if my host does not show an SSH username anywhere?

Some shared hosting plans do not include SSH access — it is sometimes a paid add-on or only available on certain account types. Check your hosting plan details or contact support to confirm SSH is included. If it is, they will provide the username and help you set a password.

Can I use SSH without a password?

Yes, but it requires setting up SSH keys instead, which is more complex. Most beginners use password-based SSH login. If you want to explore keys later, your host's documentation or support team can walk you through it.

My host says my SSH username is my account number, not a name. Is that normal?

Yes. Some hosts use numeric account IDs as SSH usernames instead of readable names. Write it down exactly as shown — numbers and letters must match precisely, or the login will fail.

Do I need both a username and password to use SSH?

Yes, unless you set up key-based authentication instead. For password-based SSH (the standard method), you need both the username and the password. Both are required every time you connect.