> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.pritunl.com/kb/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.pritunl.com/kb/zero/general/ssh-client.md).

# Install SSH Client

Install Pritunl Zero SSH client

The Pritunl Zero SSH client is available on Linux and macOS. The client is a small Python script used to retrieve the SSH certificate from the Pritunl Zero server. The source code is available in the [**pritunl-zero-client**](https://github.com/pritunl/pritunl-zero-client) repository.

### OpenSSH 7.8

Starting with OpenSSH ECDSA or ED25519 client keys must be used. These can be generate with the command `ssh-keygen -t ed25519`.

### Usage

To use the client first generate an SSH key by running `ssh-keygen -t ed25519`. A separate key should be used for Pritunl Zero. Then run the command `pritunl-ssh`, enter the hostname of the Pritunl Zero user web console and select the SSH key created earlier. The client will open a web page to approve the SSH key. If using on a remote server the `cmd+double click` can be used to open the link. Once done the SSH key will be ready to use until the certificate expires. Running the command `pritunl-ssh` will renew the certificate if it has expired. The command `pritunl-ssh renew` can be used to force a certificate renewal.

### macOS

Homebrew must first be installed. Once installed add the [**pritunl/tap**](https://github.com/pritunl/homebrew-tap) tap. Then install the [**pritunl-ssh**](https://github.com/pritunl/homebrew-tap/blob/master/pritunl-ssh.rb) formula.

```shell
brew tap pritunl/tap
brew install pritunl-ssh
```

### Linux

Install the `pritunl-ssh` package on Linux. Refer to the [Repositories](doc:repo) page for a list of available repositories.


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