> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://legacy.docs.synteq.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://legacy.docs.synteq.com/system-administration/common-issues/lost-ssh-key/lost-ssh-key-on-a-vps.md).

# Lost SSH key on a VPS

What to do after you've lost your SSH key to your VPS

### 1. Go to your server

Start by clicking `Manage` next to your VPS name in our [VPS Control panel](https://virt.crunchbits.com/). 

<figure><img src="https://1565163394-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FIm0Oz7ouk4IWkxhVl05c%2Fuploads%2Fh2zs6XZyGPgZys9XU8kw%2FCleanShot%202025-10-31%20at%2019.42.23%402x.png?alt=media&amp;token=bbbeef53-bf7f-4450-b023-6a3c8cb0884a" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Then go to the `Options` tab.

<figure><img src="https://1565163394-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FIm0Oz7ouk4IWkxhVl05c%2Fuploads%2FWsdmliSmHcXBn9R7yD58%2FCleanShot%202025-10-31%20at%2019.43.00%402x.png?alt=media&amp;token=af6e3753-53ec-455e-8216-63a140af4e52" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### 2. Reset the root password

First, select the `Password` option.&#x20;

<figure><img src="https://1565163394-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FIm0Oz7ouk4IWkxhVl05c%2Fuploads%2F7LcGWeI9tjeXCnLsjTYF%2FCleanShot%202025-10-31%20at%2019.43.46%402x.png?alt=media&amp;token=2cd31bb8-8c9d-452f-8245-256befef66cd" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Then click on the `Reset Password` button.

<figure><img src="https://1565163394-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FIm0Oz7ouk4IWkxhVl05c%2Fuploads%2FCHlLhNg2Fgle9tpsaoW9%2FCleanShot%202025-10-31%20at%2019.44.21%402x.png?alt=media&amp;token=c71581e7-be27-47e5-accc-977828cd102b" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Afterward, select the `root` user \[1], and click on the `Reset` button.

<figure><img src="https://1565163394-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FIm0Oz7ouk4IWkxhVl05c%2Fuploads%2FKz5dJoKIwTxl8GtQtFbp%2FCleanShot%202025-10-31%20at%2019.45.02%402x.png?alt=media&amp;token=51ae9ebc-9144-4617-8854-48bcb286c6be" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

And just like that, your new root password will be available within your e-mail inbox!

<figure><img src="https://1565163394-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FIm0Oz7ouk4IWkxhVl05c%2Fuploads%2FY5uGgJWIXAjQRhoQJ8mo%2FCleanShot%202025-10-31%20at%2019.49.40%402x.png?alt=media&amp;token=d9f246b3-e06b-4445-b299-cddc51623300" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### 3. Add in your new SSH key/enable password root SSH logins

From here, you can console into the server as outlined in [Entering the VNC console](/virtualization-platform/server-management/entering-the-vnc-console.md), and either directly add in your new SSH key there, or modify your `/etc/ssh/sshd_config` to allow password authentication. \[The variable for this is `PasswordAuthentication`, and it should be set to `Yes`]


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