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Enable SSH on an ESXi host

Option 1: ESXi Host Client​

  1. Sign in to https://<host>/ui.
  2. Go to Host > Actions > Services.
  3. Select Enable Secure Shell (SSH).

Option 2: Direct Console (DCUI)​

  1. Press F2 and sign in.
  2. Open Troubleshooting Mode Options.
  3. Select Enable SSH and press Enter.

Option 3: Command line​

If you already have shell access:

vim-cmd hostsvc/enable_ssh
vim-cmd hostsvc/start_ssh

Security note​

warning

Leave SSH enabled only while you need it. In vSphere, a running SSH service also raises a warning on the host by default.