cPanel SSH connection refused error occurs when SSHD is not running with in the server.

As part of our cPanel-WHM support service, Bobcares responds to all inquiries, no matter how trivial.

Let’s look more closely at how our Support team fixed the error: connection to ssh refused

cPanel SSH connection refused: How to resolve ?

Our website’s server can be accessed securely over an unsecured network with the help of the SSH or Secure Shell (SSH) or Secure Socket Shell protocol. To put it simply, it is a method for securely accessing the server from a distance using a preferred command-line interface.

SSH enables the completion of numerous tasks that File Transfer Protocol (FTP) cannot. For instance, we can use SSH to remotely access our WordPress site if it experiences a problem and logs us out.

When attempting to connect to the server using SSH, we encounter the following error:

~ ssh bob_user@bobcares.domain.tld
ssh: connect to host bobcares.domain.tld port 22: connection refused


Description

These errors are frequently brought on by one of the following:

• SSHD isn’t operating.
• The wrong SSH port is being used.
• A firewall is blocking the connection.

Workaround

1. Firstly, make sure SSHD is active in WHM on this page: Home >> Server Status >> Service Status.

   Then, check that it is enabled on this page in WHM if it is not currently running: Home >> Service Configuration >> Service Manager
2. Secondly, verify the SSH port being used is the right one.

   The following command can be used to retrieve the SSH port from the Terminal in WHM:
sshd -T | grep ^port

   The Terminal is located in this area of WHM: Home >> Server Configuration >> Terminal
3. Finally, verify that the SSH port from step 2 is open or that the IP address from which we are connecting is permitted to connect to it. The procedure will vary depending on the firewall and how we want to limit SSH traffic because each firewall is unique.

Make sure the SSH port is being used correctly and that the server firewall is allowing the port.

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Conclusion

To sum up, the cPanel SSH connection refused error happens when SSHD is not running OR the incorrect SSH port is being used. Our Support team provides instructions on how to quickly fix the problem.