Knowing how to SSH into Hostinger shared hosting unlocks the parts of your account a file manager can’t reach: running Composer and Artisan, automating deploys, tailing logs, and managing WordPress with WP-CLI. The catch that trips everyone up is the port — Hostinger does not use the default SSH port 22. This guide walks you through enabling SSH, finding your connection details, and logging in from macOS, Linux, or Windows.
Does your Hostinger plan support SSH?
SSH access is included on Hostinger’s Premium and Business shared hosting tiers (and on Cloud and VPS plans). The entry-level Single plan generally does not include it. Before going further, confirm in hPanel: if you can open Advanced → SSH Access and see connection details, you’re good. If the menu is missing or greyed out, you’ll need to upgrade.
Step 1 — Enable SSH and find your details
In hPanel, open Advanced → SSH Access. Toggle SSH on if it isn’t already, then note these three values:
| Field | Looks like | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| IP address | 123.45.67.89 | Your server’s address (you can also use your domain) |
| Username | u123456789 | Auto-generated, starts with u |
| Port | 65002 | Not 22. This is the #1 reason connections fail |
Step 2 — Connect from macOS or Linux
Open a terminal and use the -p flag to specify Hostinger’s port:
ssh -p 65002 [email protected]The first time, you’ll be asked to confirm the server’s fingerprint — type yes. Then enter your hosting account password (or your SSH key passphrase if you’ve set up keys). You’re now on the server, dropped into your home directory, with public_html one level down.
Step 3 — Connect from Windows
Modern Windows 10/11 includes OpenSSH, so the same command works in PowerShell or Windows Terminal:
ssh -p 65002 [email protected]Prefer a GUI? PuTTY works too: put the IP in Host Name, set Port to 65002, and connect.
Skip the password — use an SSH key
Typing your password every time gets old, and it’s required for any automated deploy. Set up key-based login instead: generate an SSH key, then add the public key to Hostinger. Once that’s done you connect with the key:
ssh -p 65002 -i ~/.ssh/hostinger_ed25519 [email protected]To stop repeating the port and key, add a Host alias in ~/.ssh/config and just type ssh hostinger.
What you can do once you’re in
- Run Composer:
composer install --no-dev --optimize-autoloaderfor a PHP/Laravel app. - Manage WordPress: WP-CLI is available —
wp plugin list,wp search-replace, and more. - Move files fast: use SCP or
rsyncinstead of dragging files in a browser. - Automate deploys: a CI pipeline can SSH in and update your site on every push — see deploying with Bitbucket Pipelines.
Troubleshooting connection errors
- “Connection timed out” or “refused.” Almost always the port — you must use
-p 65002, not the default 22. - “Permission denied (publickey,password).” Wrong username or password, or your key isn’t added to Hostinger yet. Double-check the username from hPanel.
- SSH menu missing in hPanel. Your plan tier doesn’t include SSH — upgrade to Premium or Business.
- Works from home but not the office. A firewall is blocking outbound port 65002; try a different network or ask your admin.
Frequently asked questions
What port does Hostinger use for SSH?
Hostinger shared hosting uses port 65002, not the default 22. Always pass -p 65002 to the ssh command.
How do I SSH into Hostinger shared hosting?
Enable SSH under hPanel → Advanced → SSH Access, note your IP, username, and the port (65002), then run ssh -p 65002 u123456789@your-ip and enter your account password.
Does every Hostinger plan support SSH?
No. SSH is available on the Premium and Business shared plans (and Cloud/VPS), but not on the entry-level Single plan. Check whether the SSH Access page appears in hPanel.
