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Asked: 2024-09-25T19:46:12+05:30 In:

How can I change the default SSH port in Ubuntu 22.10 and later versions? I’ve been trying to modify the port settings, but it doesn’t seem to take effect. What steps should I follow to successfully change the SSH port?

I’ve been trying to change the default SSH port on my Ubuntu 22.10 machine, and I’m running into some frustrating issues. I feel like I’ve read a ton of articles and followed a bunch of tutorials, but nothing seems to work or take effect. It’s driving me a bit crazy, honestly!

Here’s what I’ve been doing: I’ve opened up the SSH configuration file using `sudo nano /etc/ssh/sshd_config`, and I’ve looked for the line that says `#Port 22`. After un-commenting it and changing it to something like `Port 2222`, I saved the file. Then, I thought I was all set, but when I tried to restart the SSH service using `sudo systemctl restart ssh`, I ended up losing access.

I guess my main question is: what am I missing here? Are there any steps I might not be aware of? I mean, I checked the firewall settings using `sudo ufw status`, and it looks like that port isn’t open. So, I ran `sudo ufw allow 2222/tcp` to allow the new port, but then I still couldn’t connect!

Sometimes I wonder if the changes I made actually went through. Has anyone else faced this? Do I need to check something in the SSH client side, too? Or could there be a possible issue with my network settings?

Also, should I perhaps be worried about the service running before changing the port? I feel like there’s something obvious I’m overlooking, but I just can’t put my finger on it.

If anyone has a clear, step-by-step guide or has dealt with this before, I’d really appreciate any advice! It’s just frustrating to be stuck on something that seems like it should be pretty straightforward. Thanks in advance for any help!

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    2 Answers


    1. It sounds like you’ve gone through many of the necessary steps to change your SSH port, but a few things could be causing the issue you’re experiencing. First, it’s crucial to ensure that after you edit the `/etc/ssh/sshd_config` file and change the port from `#Port 22` to `Port 2222`, you save the file and then restart the SSH service. However, if you lose access after doing so, it’s possible that either the firewall hasn’t been properly configured to allow traffic through port 2222 or there’s a misconfiguration at a different layer. After running the command `sudo ufw allow 2222/tcp`, verify that the rule is active by running `sudo ufw status`. Additionally, try to ensure that you can access the new port by running `telnet localhost 2222` or `nc -zv localhost 2222` on your local machine to confirm that the SSH service is indeed listening on that port.

      When testing remote connections to your machine, you need to specify the new port in your SSH command, using the `-p` flag like this: `ssh -p 2222 user@your-server-ip`. If your client-side settings are not specified, SSH will attempt to connect on the default port (22). Ensure that you’re also permitted to connect to the new port from your network; routes or firewall configurations may block outgoing connections on non-standard ports. Lastly, confirm that there are no other services running that could interfere with the SSH port and ensure that your SSH server is functioning correctly. If possible, consider testing changes locally first to avoid locking yourself out of the session. Always have an alternative access method available in case something goes wrong, such as console access or another means of access to your server.




    2. SSH Port Change Help

      Changing Default SSH Port on Ubuntu 22.10

      Sounds like you’ve been through a lot of troubleshooting already! Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to help you out:

      1. Edit SSH Config

      You did the right thing by editing the SSH configuration file:

      sudo nano /etc/ssh/sshd_config

      Just make sure you uncomment the line and change it to:

      Port 2222

      2. Check for Other Port Configurations

      Sometimes there might be other configurations in the file that override your port change. Look for any other Port lines and make sure they are commented out.

      3. Allow the New Port Through UFW

      You already ran:

      sudo ufw allow 2222/tcp

      That’s great! Ensure you check the status again with:

      sudo ufw status

      Your new port should be listed as allowed now.

      4. Restart SSH Service

      When you restart the SSH service with:

      sudo systemctl restart ssh

      Make sure the command runs without errors. If it does, you should be good to go.

      5. Connecting with the New Port

      When you try to connect with your SSH client, you need to specify the new port. Instead of:

      ssh user@your-server-ip

      Use:

      ssh -p 2222 user@your-server-ip

      6. Double-Check Your Connection

      If it’s still not working, try connecting from another client or network to rule out local issues. Make sure your firewall/router isn’t blocking the port as well.

      7. Backup Plan

      If everything fails, you might want to revert your changes by commenting out Port 2222 back to #Port 22 and check if you can access your server again at the default port.

      And yes, it’s wise to avoid changing the port while being connected to SSH, since it might lock you out! Always ensure that you have another access method (like a direct console) just in case.

      Good luck! Hopefully, this helps clear things up for you!


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