How to manage SSH connections on MacOS with Termius
I deal with many remote servers, most of which I access via Secure Shell (SSH). How I manage these connections depends on the operating system I’m using. Most of the time when I’m working on Linux I just use the command line interface and use the configuration file of SSH (where I can configure any number of connections for easy access).
Although I can do the same thing on macOS, I often resort to using a GUI app so I don’t have to remember server nicknames or type the SSH command every time.
Likewise: How to make SSH even more user-friendly with configuration files
One such app is Termius, which has been around for a while and is easily one of the best SSH connection managers out there.
Termius is free to use, but features are limited. To use the full power of the application, you should consider purchasing a license to unlock features like the following:
- Mobile and desktop
- Secure sync
- Tunneling Options
- Safe Sharing
- Self-Service Consolidated Billing
- an order
- working area
- SSO/SCIM
The prices for Termius are:
- Pro – $8.33 per month
- Team – $19.99 per month/seat
- Company – contact for details
You can check the Termius pricing matrix to see which features are available for each version. I recommend starting with the free version and – if you need more features – check out one of the paid plans.
With that said, let’s find out how to manage your SSH connections with this well-designed application.
How to manage SSH connections on MacOS with Termius
How to install Termius on MacOS
On macOS, open the App Store from either the Launchpad or the Dock.
Installing Termius from the MacOS App Store. Image: Jack Wallen
Look for Termius. When the app appears in the App Store, click Get, then click Install.
Likewise: The basics of SSH usage
How to use Termius on MacOS
Click the Launchpad icon in the Dock and search for Termius. Click on the Termius Launcher to open the app.
In the Termius main window, enter the IP address or hostname for the remote connection in the Add Your First Host block and click Create Host.
You can also import all hosts from your configuration file from this GUI. Image: Jack Wallen
In the resulting window you need to add at least one username and password. If your SSH connection uses a different port, make sure to add it.
Configure an SSH connection in Termius. Image: Jack Wallen
If your connection uses SSH key authentication, you must copy the id_rsa.pub file from the server to the computer hosting Termius. To import this key, click Key and then Generate New Key. In the pane that appears, click Import from key file, locate the key file you created, and click Save.
Configure SSH key authentication for a Termius connection. Image: Jack Wallen
You should now see that your remote host has been added to Termius. Double-click this listing and enter the password for the user or SSH key when prompted. After successful authentication you will get access to your remote server where you can start working.
Connection to a remote server via Termius. Image: Jack Wallen
Add as many servers to Termius as you need, making sure to give them unique names so you don’t have to assign an IP address to any server.
And that’s all you need to effortlessly manage your SSH connections on macOS.