SSH (Secure Shell) is a cryptographic network protocol that enables secure communication between two computers, typically a client and a server. In the context of WordPress development, SSH plays a crucial role in facilitating secure and efficient management of servers hosting WordPress sites. So, how to fix SSH connection refused error?
SSH allows developers and administrators to perform various tasks such as:
- File Management: Securely transferring files between local and remote servers using tools like SCP (Secure Copy) or SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol).
- Command Execution: Running commands on the ssh server remotely through a secure terminal session, which is especially useful for performing administrative tasks, managing databases, and executing scripts.
- Server Configuration: Configuring server settings via ssh, installing software packages, and managing permissions with elevated privileges.
What Are the Causes of the SSH “Connection Refused” Error?
1. Network Issues
Network instability or congestion can disrupt SSH secure connection, leading to the “Connection Refused” error message. This can occur due to bandwidth limitations, network congestion, or intermittent connectivity issues.
2. Incorrect Credentials
Errors in entering the hostname (server address), username, password, or SSH port can prevent successful authentication and try to connect establishment. Even minor typos in these credentials can result in the server rejecting the connection request.
3. Missing SSH Client or Daemon
On the client side, the absence of SSH client software such as OpenSSH or PuTTY prevents initiating SSH connections. Conversely, on the server side, if the SSH daemon (server software) is not installed or configured correctly, it cannot accept incoming connection requests. So you have to install an ssh.
4. Firewall Restrictions
Firewalls, whether on the server or within network infrastructures like corporate firewalls, often restrict traffic on specific custom ssh port for security reasons. Open port 22, the default SSH port, is commonly blocked to prevent unauthorized access (block ssh connections). This restriction can lead to the “Connection Refused” error if SSH traffic is not explicitly allowed through the firewall.
5. SSH Service Down
Server-side issues such as system updates, resource limitations, or deliberate shutdowns (e.g., during maintenance) can cause the SSH service to be unavailable. In such cases, the SSH daemon on the server does not respond to incoming connection requests, resulting in the “Connection Refused” error.
Why Resolving the Error Is Important?
1 – Restoring Access
The ability to establish an SSH connection is essential for administrators and developers to manage server configurations, perform updates, and troubleshoot issues effectively. Resolving the “Connection Refused” error restores this critical access, allowing for seamless server management.
2 – Efficient Troubleshooting
SSH provides a secure and direct method for troubleshooting server-related issues. Accessing server logs, performing diagnostics, and executing commands remotely are streamlined with SSH. Resolving connection issues ensures efficient problem resolution and minimizes downtime.
3 – Ensuring Security
SSH offers strong encryption and authentication mechanisms, making it a secure choice for remote server access. Resolving SSH connection issues ensures that sensitive data transmitted over the network remains protected from unauthorized access and eavesdropping.
4 – Maintaining Workflow
For developers and administrators working on WordPress sites, SSH facilitates efficient workflow management. Tasks such as deploying updates, managing plugins and themes, and optimizing server performance are expedited with SSH access. Resolving connection errors ensures uninterrupted workflow and productivity.
5 – Preventing Downtime
Unresolved SSH connection issues can lead to prolonged server downtime, impacting website availability and user experience. Timely resolution helps mitigate potential service disruptions, ensuring continuous operation of WordPress sites and services.
Learn about resolving critical errors in WordPress in our article on how to fix the locked out of WP-admin issue.
Troubleshooting Steps for the SSH “Connection Refused” Error
To avoid the SSH connection error, ensure the SSH port settings are correct, as blocking the SSH port can reject the connection.
- SSH is often configured to use a private SSH key for authentication.
- If you need to install the SSH client or daemon, follow your system’s guidelines.
- Providers use custom SSH configurations, so you may need to enable the SSH service and configure the correct settings to establish a successful SSH connection.
Troubleshooting this error involves checking the SSH connection error logs and verifying that the connection to your server via SSH is allowed. If you need to adjust the SSH port settings or ensure the SSH service is running, these steps can help resolve the issue.
You should know “how to fix SSH connection refused error”, here are 5 troubleshooting steps to fix the ssh:
1. Install and Verify SSH Client
Ensure that the SSH client software is installed on your local computer. For Linux and macOS systems, OpenSSH client is typically pre-installed. On Windows, tools like PuTTY or Git Bash provide SSH client functionality.
To verify SSH client installation, open a terminal or command prompt and enter:
ssh -V
If the command returns version information, the SSH client is installed and operational. For further guidance, refer to our article on how to fix the ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED error.
2. Confirm SSH Daemon on Server
Check if the SSH daemon (server-side software) is installed and running on the remote server. Use SSH commands to verify and manage the SSH service:
sudo service ssh status
If the service is not running, restart it using
sudo service ssh restart
Ensure that the SSH daemon is configured to listen on the correct default port (default is 22) and is accessible.
3. Adjust Firewall Settings
Review firewall configurations to ensure SSH traffic is permitted. Use firewall management tools (e.g., ufw on Linux) to allow incoming connections on the SSH port:
sudo ufw allow ssh
Replace ssh with the specific port number if SSH is configured on a non-default port (e.g., sudo ufw allow 2222).
4. Validate Credentials and Port Configuration
Double-check the accuracy of SSH connection details:
- Hostname: Verify the server’s IP address or domain name.
- Username: Ensure the correct username for SSH authentication
- Password or SSH Key: Use the correct passphrase for SSH key-based authentication or password for password-based authentication.
- Port: Confirm the SSH port number configured on the server matches the one specified in your SSH client settings.
5. Restart SSH Service
Restart the SSH service on the server to refresh configurations and resolve service-related issues:
sudo service ssh restart
Additional Tips and Best Practices for SSH Troubleshooting
1 – Debugging and Logging
Use verbose mode (-v, -vv, -vvv) when initiating SSH connections to debug issues and gather detailed diagnostic information. Check system logs (/var/log/auth.log on Linux) for SSH-related errors or warnings
2 – Security Practices
Implement best practices for SSH security:
- Use SSH key-based authentication instead of passwords for enhanced security.
- Set strong passwords if using password-based authentication.
- Restrict SSH access to trusted IP addresses or networks using firewall rules.
3 – Regular Maintenance
Keep SSH software and server configurations up-to-date with the latest security patches and updates. Regularly review and audit SSH configurations to ensure compliance with security standards and mitigate vulnerabilities. Meanwhile you can also discover solutions for various WordPress errors, including how to fix the WordPress HTTP error.
Conclusion
Resolving the SSH “Connection Refused” error is critical for maintaining seamless WordPress development and server management. By understanding the common causes—such as network issues, incorrect credentials, firewall restrictions, and server-side service disruptions—you can effectively troubleshoot and restore SSH access.
Ensuring SSH connectivity not only facilitates efficient workflow management but also enhances security by enabling secure remote access and data transmission.
Timely resolution of SSH connection issues minimizes downtime, optimizes server performance, and safeguards the integrity of WordPress sites.Now you know, how to fix SSH connection refused error.
