Connect your first server from iPhone.

This is the onboarding flow for sshChat. It starts with the real decision tree: do you already have a server, do you already have access data, and which login method do you use inside the app.

Step 1: Do you already have a server?

If yes — Keep the host IP or hostname ready and continue to Step 2.

If no — Create a server first, for example on Hetzner, then come back here with the public IP.

If you need this path, open Set up Hetzner and SSH on mobile.

What you need before continuing: A reachable host, SSH port, username, and one login method: password or private key.

Step 2: Do you already have access data?

If yes — Choose the login method you actually have: password or private key.

If no — Go back to your server provider, admin panel, or cloud dashboard and collect the login details first.

For Hetzner, this usually means the first root password or the SSH key you attached at server creation.

Password is the fastest first connection on mobile. Private key is the better long-term setup once you already have one on the phone.

Step 3: Add the server inside sshChat

Tap Add server, then enter a readable title, the host or IP, port 22, your username, and either the password or the private key.

If you already have a private key, paste it into the key field. If not, use password first and switch later.

The server appears in your saved server list and is ready to open.

Step 4: Connect and verify the host key

Open the server, check the first host key prompt, and accept it only if it matches the machine you intended to reach.

whoami
pwd
ls -lah

Step 5: Start with the simplest useful workflow

Use normal send for quick commands, then save one or two commands you expect to reuse.

uptime
df -h
docker compose ps

Go to Chat basics if you want the fastest mental model, or go to Stream Mode if you already know you run longer commands.