Creating Key Pairs Using a Terminal (2024)

Generating SSH key pairs locally

To save the key pair in other than the default directory of ~./ssh or with a different name, add the-fflag followed by the directory and key pair name (e.g. ~/Desktop/key).

When asked to enter file in which to save the key, press enter without typing in a name.

If a file name is supplied, the key pair will be saved in the terminal's current directory with the supplied name.
By default, keys are saved in the~/.sshdirectory with the namesid_rsa,id_rsa.pub.

Enter a password for the key pair, and press enter. You will be asked to retype the password for confirmation.

Upload thepublickey file (the one ending in.pub).

In a terminal, type the commandsshfollowed by the remote host name.
- If your local machine account name is different from your login username, include the-lflag followed by your login username. This should go before the remote host name.
- If the private key has a non-default name or directory, include the-iflag followed by the correct directory and name. This should go before the remote host name.
- Your command might look like this:ssh -luserName-ipathToKey remoteHostName
Press enter, and type the password associated with the key pair.