How to check SSH port availability

Summary

If SSH won't connect, check whether the SSH port (default 22) is reachable from your computer and open on the server.

Applies to:
✔ VPS
✔ Dedicated servers
✔ Linux, macOS, Windows

Check port from the client side

Linux/macOS

nc -zv SERVER_IP 22

Via telnet:

telnet SERVER_IP 22

Windows

Test-NetConnection -ComputerName SERVER_IP -Port 22

Check port on the server

Via VNC/IPMI console:

ss -tlnp | grep :22

If SSH listens on a different port:

ss -tlnp | grep sshd

grep "^Port" /etc/ssh/sshd_config

Check server firewall

iptables:

iptables -L -n | grep 22

UFW:

ufw status

firewalld:

firewall-cmd --list-all

If SSH port is not open:

ufw allow 22/tcp

Non-standard SSH port

ssh -p 2222 root@SERVER_IP

nc -zv SERVER_IP 2222

Verification

ssh root@SERVER_IP

If the port is open on the server but unreachable from your computer, your ISP may be blocking it. Try connecting from a different network. If the problem persists, open a support ticket.