Known Hosts

Known Hosts

When you connect to a server for the first time, SSH remembers its fingerprint in a known_hosts file. That protects you from connecting to a fake server later.

If a server was reinstalled or its key changed, you may see Host key verification failed. The Known Hosts Editor lets you remove the old fingerprint so you can connect again.

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Open it

• Application menu (hamburger on Linux, File on macOS) → SSH → Known Hosts Editor
• Or press Shift+Shift and type known hosts

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Fix a changed host key

1. Open Known Hosts Editor
2. Search for the server name or IP
3. Click the trash icon on the old entry
4. Click Save
5. Connect again and accept the new fingerprint when asked

Nothing is removed for good until you click Save. Cancel closes without saving.

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Notes

• In normal use this edits ~/.ssh/known_hosts (the same file the ssh command uses)
• If you use Isolated Mode, SSH Pilot keeps its own known hosts file instead
• This editor only removes entries. New fingerprints are added when you accept a host key while connecting
• For managing login keys (who can access an account), see Authorized Keys

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Related

• Troubleshooting -- Other connection problems
• Authorized Keys -- Manage installed login keys
• Key Management -- Generate and deploy your SSH keys