SSH Access

Access your router’s command line over SSH for advanced troubleshooting, package management, or direct configuration. SSH accepts both password authentication (using your admin password) and public key authentication.

Warning

SSH provides root access to the underlying OpenWrt system. Misconfiguration can break networking, lock you out, or require a factory reset. Only use SSH if you are comfortable with the Linux command line.

Adding an SSH Key

1. Navigate to System > Settings > SSH Keys.

2. Click “Add Key”.

3. Paste your public key (the contents of ~/.ssh/id_ed25519.pub or ~/.ssh/id_rsa.pub). The key is labeled automatically from the comment at the end of the public key (e.g. user@hostname).

4. Click “Save”.

Tip

If you do not have an SSH key pair, generate one:

ssh-keygen -t ed25519

This creates a private key (~/.ssh/id_ed25519) and a public key (~/.ssh/id_ed25519.pub). Add the public key to StartWRT. Never share the private key.

Connecting

Once your key is added, connect from a terminal:

ssh root@router.lan

Removing an SSH Key

1. Navigate to System > Settings > SSH Keys.

2. Click the trash (Delete) button on the key’s row.

Note

Even with no SSH keys configured, you can still connect using your admin password.