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Getting StartedConnect to VPS in 5 Minutes

Connect to VPS in 5 Minutes

Got a VPS or cloud server? You’re minutes away from managing it with Nexus. This guide walks you through getting your server ready and connected to the app.

What You’ll Need

  • A VPS/Cloud Server: Running Ubuntu, Debian, CentOS, or any Linux distribution
  • SSH Access: Root or sudo user credentials
  • The Nexus App: Installed on your iOS device
  • 5 Minutes: Seriously, that’s all it takes

Quick Setup Overview

  1. Get your server connection details from your provider
  2. Open Nexus and add your server manually
  3. Enter your SSH credentials
  4. Start managing your server

That’s it! No complex configuration, no scripts to run manually. Nexus handles the setup.

Step-by-Step Setup

Step 1: Get Your Server Details

You’ll need three pieces of information from your VPS provider:

  • IP Address: Your server’s public IP (e.g., 203.0.113.45)
  • Username: Usually root or ubuntu depending on your provider
  • Password or SSH Key: Your authentication method

Find these in your provider’s dashboard (see provider-specific guides below).

Step 2: Open Nexus and Add Your Server

  1. Launch the Nexus app on your iOS device
  2. Tap ”+” to add your VPS manually
  3. Enter your server details:
    • Host: Your server’s public IP address
    • Username: Your SSH username (usually root or ubuntu)
    • Port: 22 (default SSH port, unless you changed it)
    • Password/Key: Your authentication credentials

Adding Credentials

Step 3: Connect and Install the Agent

  1. Tap “Connect” - Nexus will establish an SSH connection
  2. Install the agent (optional but recommended):
    • When you first open the console view, you’ll be prompted to install the agent runtime
    • The agent enables AI diagnostics, automated fixes, and advanced monitoring
    • Installation happens via SSH in your user’s home directory
    • Takes less than 30 seconds

Agent Install

Step 4: Start Managing Your Server

You’re done! Your server now appears in the Nexus dashboard with:

  • Real-time CPU, RAM, and disk usage
  • System load averages
  • Operating system information
  • Quick access to console, alerts, and diagnostics

Paired Servers

Common Server Providers

Different providers organize their dashboards differently. Here’s where to find your SSH details:

Digital Ocean

  1. Log into your Digital Ocean Dashboard 
  2. Click on your Droplet
  3. Find your connection details:
    • Host: Listed as “ipv4” on the droplet page
    • Username: root (default for new droplets)
    • Password: Sent to your email, or use SSH keys if configured
    • Port: 22 (default)

Linode (Akamai)

  1. Log into your Linode Cloud Manager 
  2. Click on your Linode instance
  3. Connection details:
    • Host: “SSH Access” shows your IP address
    • Username: root (default)
    • Password: Set during Linode creation, or use SSH keys
    • Port: 22 (default)

AWS EC2

  1. Log into your AWS Console 
  2. Navigate to EC2 → Instances
  3. Select your instance:
    • Host: Listed as “Public IPv4 address”
    • Username:
      • Ubuntu AMIs: ubuntu
      • Amazon Linux: ec2-user
      • Debian: admin
    • SSH Key: Use the .pem key you downloaded when creating the instance
    • Port: 22 (default, check security group rules)

Note: AWS uses SSH keys by default. You’ll need to add your key to Nexus.

Hetzner

  1. Log into Hetzner Cloud Console 
  2. Select your project and server
  3. Connection details:
    • Host: Shown as “IPv4” on the server overview
    • Username: root (default)
    • Password: Sent to your email on server creation, or use SSH keys
    • Port: 22 (default)

Vultr

  1. Log into your Vultr Dashboard 
  2. Click on your server instance
  3. Connection details:
    • Host: Listed as “IP Address” or “Main IP”
    • Username: root (default)
    • Password: Click the eye icon to reveal, or use SSH keys
    • Port: 22 (default)

OVH

  1. Log into your OVH Manager 
  2. Go to Bare Metal Cloud → VPS
  3. Select your VPS:
    • Host: Listed as “IPv4”
    • Username: Depends on OS (usually ubuntu, debian, or centos)
    • Password: Sent to your email, or use SSH keys
    • Port: 22 (default)

Troubleshooting

Can’t Connect?

  • Check your IP address: Make sure you’re using the public IP, not a private one
  • Verify firewall rules: Ensure port 22 is open in your VPS firewall/security groups
  • Confirm SSH is running: Your server should have SSH enabled by default
  • Try password auth: If using SSH keys, make sure the key format is correct

Connection Timeout?

  • Your server might be behind a firewall blocking port 22
  • Check your VPS provider’s security group or firewall settings
  • Ensure your server is running and not in a stopped/suspended state

Wrong Username?

Different distributions use different default users:

  • Ubuntu: ubuntu or root
  • Debian: debian or root
  • CentOS: centos or root
  • Amazon Linux: ec2-user

Check your provider’s documentation for the correct default user.

Next Steps

Now that your server is connected:

Security Best Practices

  • Change default passwords: After connecting, update your root password
  • Set up SSH keys: More secure than password authentication
  • Enable 2FA on your VPS provider: Protect access to your server dashboard
  • Use Nexus security features: Set up biometric authentication and access PIN

All your credentials are encrypted and stored in your device’s secure enclave. Learn more about how Nexus protects your data.

Quick StartServer Setup