How to Add and Save an SSH Host on Your Phone

To add and save an SSH host on your phone using ShellSage, start by tapping the Hosts section and then use the + button to open the add-host form. Fill in the required fields such as Label, Hostname or IP, Port, and Username, and save to have quick access to your server.

Why Use ShellSage for Managing SSH Hosts?

ShellSage is designed to make managing SSH connections on your phone as easy as possible. With its intuitive interface and powerful features, you can quickly connect to your servers without the hassle of repeatedly entering credentials. One of the standout features is the AI assistant, Sage, which can explain command output and help troubleshoot issues. This is especially useful when working on the go, as it reduces the time spent figuring out errors.

"ShellSage transforms your mobile device into a powerful terminal, making SSH management straightforward and efficient."

Another advantage of using ShellSage is the ability to save your SSH hosts securely. When you save a host, all sensitive information, like private keys, is encrypted and fetched only when you connect. This not only enhances security but also streamlines your workflow. No more fumbling with passwords or keys each time you need to connect to a server.

Step-by-Step: Adding a New SSH Host

To start adding a new SSH host in ShellSage, tap on the Hosts section from the main menu. You will see a + button; tap this to open the add-host form. This is where you’ll input all the necessary details for your SSH connection. Let’s go through each field:

1. Label: This can be anything memorable to you, such as "prod-api" or "home NAS". This label will help you identify the host later.
2. Hostname or IP: Enter just the host part, like "165.22.231.98", without the username prefix.
3. Port: Typically, this will be set to 22 unless you’ve configured your server differently.
4. Username: This should be the user you will log in as, such as "root" or "ubuntu".
5. Private Key: Paste the OpenSSH PEM contents starting with "-----BEGIN OPENSSH PRIVATE KEY-----". Ensure this key is properly formatted.

After filling in these details, you will see two toggles: "Require biometric" and "Prod-tagged". If you enable "Require biometric", you will need to use Face ID or fingerprint authentication every time you tap this host. The "Prod-tagged" toggle, when enabled, locks AI assistance off to avoid any auto-runs that could be dangerous on production systems.

Label: prod-api
Hostname: 165.22.231.98
Port: 22
Username: ubuntu
Private Key: -----BEGIN OPENSSH PRIVATE KEY-----
...

What Happens After Saving a Host?

Once you have filled out the add-host form and saved, your new host will appear in the list of saved hosts, ready for you to tap and connect. ShellSage automatically syncs saved hosts to your account, meaning that even if you switch to a new phone, your saved configurations will still be available. The private key and any passwords you use are stored encrypted, providing an extra layer of security.

"The convenience of syncing saved hosts across devices means you can switch phones without losing access to your critical connections."

If you ever need to duplicate a saved host, simply long-press on the host entry in the list. This will give you the option to clone it, which is particularly useful if you have similar configurations for different environments. The cloned host will be labeled as " (2)" for easy identification.

Best Practices for Managing SSH Keys

When working with SSH keys, especially on mobile devices, it’s crucial to follow best practices for security. A key aspect is to use modern key types, such as Ed25519, as they provide better security and performance compared to older RSA keys. Some servers may even reject RSA keys due to their vulnerabilities.

Remember to keep your private keys confidential. Avoid sharing them and ensure that they are stored securely within ShellSage, where they are encrypted. If you need to revoke a key or replace it, make sure to update it in the ShellSage app promptly to avoid any unauthorized access.

ssh-keygen -t ed25519 -C "your_email@example.com"

How Do You Connect to Your Saved Hosts?

Connecting to a saved host in ShellSage is straightforward. Simply tap on the host's label in your list of saved hosts, and the app will initiate the SSH connection using the saved credentials. If you have enabled the biometric toggle, you will be prompted for Face ID or fingerprint authentication before the connection is established.

Once connected, you can start executing commands as if you were using a terminal on your desktop. If you encounter any errors or need clarification on command outputs, Sage can step in to assist. This AI feature can provide explanations or suggest fixes, making your command-line experience smoother and more intuitive.

ssh ubuntu@165.22.231.98

Using ShellSage, the entire process of managing and connecting to your SSH hosts is efficient and user-friendly. Whether you are a developer, sysadmin, or SRE, the app’s features are tailored to enhance your productivity while working remotely.