SSH Access on StarDomain Hosting
Whether you can log in over SSH depends on the product you have. This guide explains what each one offers and how to connect.
VPS: full root SSH. DirectAdmin hosting: a restricted (jailed) shell, which support turns on when you ask for it. It is off by default. Container Hosting: a browser Terminal tab on every plan, plus SFTP and Git deploy. There is no direct SSH login. App Platform: no SSH. You deploy from GitHub or with a deploy token.
1. Which plans have SSH
| Product | SSH | How you work with files and code |
|---|---|---|
| VPS | Yes, as root | SSH, SFTP, anything you install |
| DirectAdmin hosting | Jailed shell on request (off by default) | DirectAdmin File Manager, FTP or SFTP |
| Container Hosting | Browser Terminal tab (no direct SSH login) | Terminal tab, Files tab, SFTP (port shown on the Overview tab), Git deploy tab |
| App Platform | No | GitHub deploy or a deploy token |
2. DirectAdmin hosting: ask support to enable SSH
SSH is available on DirectAdmin hosting, but it is not switched on by default. To use it:
- Open a ticket.Open a support ticket and say which hosting account you want SSH on.
- Wait for confirmation.Support enables a jailed shell for your account and confirms on the ticket.
- Connect.Use your DirectAdmin username and the server name shown for your hosting in the client area:
ssh yourusername@your-server-hostname.
A jailed shell runs inside your own account. You cannot use sudo or install system packages, and the usual account resource limits apply.
3. Container Hosting: the Terminal tab and SFTP
Container Hosting has no direct SSH login. Instead, every plan has a Terminal tab that opens a shell in your browser. To open it, confirm your password (or your 2FA code). You can run commands there such as php, composer or wp. A session closes after 15 minutes idle, or after 2 hours at most.
The panel also has a place for the rest:
- Upload and edit files: the Files tab, or SFTP with the host, port and username on the Overview tab. The port is specific to your container. It is not 22. See Managing Files and Using SFTP.
- Deploy code: the Git deploy tab. See Deploying Your Website with Git.
- Scheduled tasks: the Cron jobs tab. See PHP Settings and Cron Jobs.
- Errors: the Logs tab.
4. VPS: root SSH
A VPS gives you full root access. See Connecting to Your VPS over SSH and the VPS security checklist.
Is SSH included on StarDomain shared hosting?
On DirectAdmin hosting, SSH is available on request: open a ticket and support enables a jailed shell. It is off by default. Container Hosting has a browser Terminal tab instead of an SSH login.
Can I use a command line on Container Hosting?
Yes. Open the Terminal tab in your container panel and confirm your password or 2FA code. There is no direct SSH login, and files transfer over SFTP.
I need full shell access. What should I choose?
A VPS. It gives you root SSH and lets you install your own software.