Skip to main content

Enabling remote SSH login on Mac OS X

Updated by Tim Rabbetts on
ssh on mac

SSH, or "Secure Shell," is a widely used and secure network protocol for executing command line utilities and transferring files securely through SCP. This article provides step-by-step instructions on enabling SSH for remote management on a Mac OS workstation.

 

  1. Open the Apple menu in the upper left corner of the screen and select "System Preferences..."
  2. Under "Internet & Wireless," choose "Sharing.
  3. "In the left column of services, activate "Remote Login."
  4. Highlight the "Remote Login" service and grant SSH access to desired users. You can select all users or specify particular users by choosing "Only these users:" and adding them using the "+" button.

 

Note the command displayed under "Remote Login: On" in the upper middle part of the screen. Keep this command as it is required for logging in from a different system.

 

If your firewall is enabled by default, you may need to restart it to allow SSH communications through port 22. Open "System Preferences," click "Security," and restart the Firewall.

 

Test that the firewall is not blocking SSH access by attempting the SSH login command from a different system (as mentioned in step 5).

 

If you encounter login issues, consider restarting the firewall or rebooting.

Add new comment