🔒 How to Download & Connect to Your Server
❓ What is an SSH Key?
Think of it like a digital key to a door. The file {{ vm.hostname }}.pem is your personal key that proves who you are when you connect to your server. Never share this file with anyone — whoever has it can access your server.
1
Download Your Key File
Click the 🔒 Download SSH Key button above. Your browser will download a file called {{ vm.hostname }}.pem.
📆 Where to save it?
Create a folder called SSHKeys inside your Documents folder and save the file there. Keep it in the same place every time so you can find it easily.
Example: C:\Users\YourName\Documents\SSHKeys\{{ vm.hostname }}.pem
⚠️ Important: This key can only be downloaded once. If you lose it, contact support and we will generate a new one for you.
2
Connect from Windows (recommended for most users)
Windows 10 and 11 have SSH built in — no extra software needed.
How to open a terminal on Windows:
- Press the Windows key on your keyboard
- Type cmd and press Enter
- A black window (Command Prompt) will open
Type this command (replace YourName with your Windows username):
ssh -i "C:\Users\YourName\Documents\SSHKeys\{{ vm.hostname }}.pem" admin@{{ vm.hostname }}.wifigate.no -p 2222
💡 First time connecting? Windows will show a message:
"Are you sure you want to continue connecting (yes/no)?"
Type yes and press Enter. This is normal and only happens once.
💡 Not sure of your Windows username?
Open Command Prompt and type echo %USERNAME% — it will print your username.
3
Connect from Mac or Linux
Open the Terminal app (on Mac: search for Terminal in Spotlight with Cmd + Space).
First, run this once to secure your key (Mac/Linux require this step):
chmod 400 ~/Documents/SSHKeys/{{ vm.hostname }}.pem
This command means "only I am allowed to read this file". You only need to run it once.
Then connect with:
ssh -i ~/Documents/SSHKeys/{{ vm.hostname }}.pem admin@{{ vm.hostname }}.wifigate.no -p 2222
📞 Need help? Contact WiFiGate support at support@wifigate.no and include your server name {{ vm.hostname }}. We are happy to assist.