> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.hexgrid.cloud/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Setup your SSH Keys 

> Create, import, download, and manage SSH keys in HexGrid Cloud so you can securely connect to your cloud GPU instances from your own device.

Create, import, download, and manage SSH keys in HexGrid Cloud. This guide covers generating a key in the dashboard or on your computer, importing an existing public key, and managing saved keys.

## What is an SSH key?

An SSH key securely proves your identity when you connect to a remote computer, such as a cloud GPU instance. It has two parts: a **public key** you can add to HexGrid Cloud, and a **private key** that must stay secret on your device.

> [!WARNING]
>
> Never upload, paste, email, or share your private key. HexGrid Cloud needs only your public key when importing a key from your computer.

> **[Homepage](https://hexgrid.cloud/)**
>
> Visit HexGrid Cloud

> **[Sign up](https://hexgrid.cloud/auth/register)**
>
> Create an account

## Get to the SSH Keys page

**1. Open HexGrid Cloud**

Visit [hexgrid.cloud](https://hexgrid.cloud) and select **Get Started**, or open the sign-up page.

![HexGrid Cloud homepage](https://mintcdn.com/hex-grid-cloud/iAybWHkn1AHz305P/images/image-7.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=iAybWHkn1AHz305P\&q=85\&s=af5c5e49f3f28ba93143e32d5fd15bab)

**2. Sign up or sign in**

For a new account, select **Continue with Google** and follow the prompts. Existing users should select **Sign In**. Once signed in, you will reach the dashboard.

![Sign-up page](https://mintcdn.com/hex-grid-cloud/iAybWHkn1AHz305P/images/image-8.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=iAybWHkn1AHz305P\&q=85\&s=9d7cdba26436c05dd156d5d31c34c361)

![HexGrid Cloud dashboard](https://mintcdn.com/hex-grid-cloud/iAybWHkn1AHz305P/images/image-9.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=iAybWHkn1AHz305P\&q=85\&s=1fc0f37719cfc35f2b9466e9921e6cb4)

**3. Open Access Keys**

In the left sidebar, find **Compute** and select **Access Keys**. Choose the **SSH Keys** tab. You can generate a new key in HexGrid Cloud or import an existing public key.

## Add an SSH key

Choose one of the following options.

**A: Generate in HexGrid Cloud**

1. Click **Generate SSH Key**.
2. A key is generated automatically; edit its name if desired.
3. Click **Download Private Key** and save it securely. The private key may only be available for download at this point.
4. Use **Download public key** if you need a copy of the public key.
5. Close the dialog. Your key appears in the list.

![Generate SSH Key dialog](https://mintcdn.com/hex-grid-cloud/iAybWHkn1AHz305P/images/image-11.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=iAybWHkn1AHz305P\&q=85\&s=70351871ccd13ca15a15856feddda7e2)

> [!WARNING]
>
> Download and safely store the private key immediately. Do not share it or upload it to HexGrid Cloud.

**B: Generate on your computer**

Open Terminal on macOS/Linux, or Git Bash or PowerShell/Windows Terminal on Windows. Run:

```bash theme={null}
ssh-keygen -t ed25519 -C "your-email@example.com"
```

Follow the prompts. Press Enter to accept the default file location, or enter a path you will remember. You can set a passphrase for extra protection.

The usual files are:

| File | Type |
| - | - |
| `~/.ssh/id_ed25519` | Private key |
| `~/.ssh/id_ed25519.pub` | Public key |

On Windows, look in your user profile's `.ssh` folder.

**Copy the public key**

```bash macOS/Linux/Git Bash theme={null}
cat ~/.ssh/id_ed25519.pub
```

```powershell Windows PowerShell theme={null}
Get-Content $env:USERPROFILE\.ssh\id_ed25519.pub
```

Copy the complete line beginning with `ssh-ed25519`. If you chose another filename, use that filename instead. Then import it using option C.

**C: Import an existing key**

1. Open **Compute → Access Keys → SSH Keys**.
2. Click **Import SSH Key**.
3. Enter a recognizable name, such as "Personal laptop."
4. Open your public-key file (ending in `.pub`) and copy its entire contents.
5. Paste it into **SSH public key**. It commonly begins with `ssh-ed25519` or `ssh-rsa`.
6. Click **Create key**. The key should appear in the list.

![Import SSH Key form](https://mintcdn.com/hex-grid-cloud/iAybWHkn1AHz305P/images/image-12.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=iAybWHkn1AHz305P\&q=85\&s=01a31076ea984110444ff4ad4793227a)

> [!WARNING]
>
> Never paste the private key into this form. The public key ends in `.pub`; the private key does not.

## Manage saved keys

The SSH Keys page shows saved keys. You can copy the public key or delete a key you no longer need.

> [!NOTE]
>
> Before deleting a key, check whether any deployment or machine depends on it.

![Saved SSH keys list](https://mintcdn.com/hex-grid-cloud/iAybWHkn1AHz305P/images/image-13.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=iAybWHkn1AHz305P\&q=85\&s=1b2cb080a70f4fbdc33c63f2c8a72a84)


This documentation is built and hosted on [Mintlify](https://mintlify.com), a developer documentation platform.