You may need to access the hypervisor through SSH for troubleshooting or to perform some actions using CLI commands. To access the ESXi host through SSH, you must enable the SSH protocol first, because it is disabled by default. For security reasons, it is suggested that you keep the SSH protocol disabled if not used. A warning message advises you that the SSH protocol is enabled:
SSH warning message when the protocol is enabled in the host
To enable SSH from the web console, log in to the ESXi, and right-click the host. Select Services | Enable Secure Shell (SSH).
To enable SSH from the DCUI, perform the following procedure:
- From System Customization, select the Troubleshooting option and press Enter.
- Select Enable SSH and press Enter to change. SSH is now enabled.
- The same procedure must be performed if you want to enable the ESXi Shell.
- Press Esc to exit.