If you're unable to connect to your VPS using SSH - perhaps due to a misconfigured firewall, networking issue, or sshd service failure - you can access your server directly using the built-in console feature in the Elitehost Client Area. This provides gives you direct access to your server, similar to plugging a screen and keyboard into a physical machine.

When should I use the VPS console?

Use the console if:

SSH is not responding or has been disabled
You’ve blocked your own IP via the firewall
Network settings were changed and broke connectivity
The VPS is booting into a recovery or error state

How to access the console

Log in to the Elitehost Client Area.
Go to Services > My Services.
Find your VPS and click Manage.
In the left-hand menu, click Console under the Management section.
You’ll be presented with two remote access options: Xterm.js or noVNC.

Remote Console Access Options

Xterm.js:

Text-based terminal console (no GUI)
Fast and lightweight
Supports copy/paste in most browsers
Best used for command-line tasks or server recovery
May not fully support certain OS or graphical boot interfaces

noVNC:

Browser-based VNC viewer for graphical access
Offers higher compatibility across different operating systems
Suitable for servers with a GUI or interactive installers
Slightly slower than Xterm.js and does not support text copy/paste as efficiently

Both console types are pre-configured on our standard Linux VPS images.

Tips

If one option doesn't load or work as expected, try the other.
The console runs independently of your network setup, so it will work even if SSH or firewall rules are misconfigured.
You’ll need your root VPS login credentials to log in via the console.

The VPS console is your safety net - allowing you to recover or manage your server even when all else fails.

Updated on: 15/04/2025