How to Set Up SSH on Termux (with Troubleshooting Tips)

If you’re looking to remotely manage your Termux environment, setting up SSH (Secure Shell) is an essential step. SSH allows you to securely access and control your Android device from another terminal or device, making it a powerful tool for remote administration. With SSH, you can run commands, manage files, and maintain your Termux environment without needing physical access to your Android device, providing flexibility and efficiency.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of installing and configuring SSH in Termux, enabling you to establish secure remote connections. We’ll also cover how to troubleshoot common issues that might arise during setup, ensuring a smooth configuration. Additionally, you’ll learn how to use debug mode (sshd -d) to manage and resolve SSH errors, helping you quickly identify and fix any potential problems. By the end of this guide, you’ll have a fully functioning SSH setup on Termux, giving you seamless remote access and control over your Android-based Linux environment.

Table of Contents

1. Step-by-Step Guide to Set Up SSH on Termux
   • Install OpenSSH in Termux
   • Set a Password for SSH Access
   • Configure SSH to Use a Non-Privileged Port
   • Start the SSH Daemon
2. Troubleshooting SSH Setup in Termux
   • Error: Permission Denied, Unable to Bind to Port 22
   • Error: SSHD Not Running
   • Error: Unable to Bind to Any Address
3. How to Connect to Termux via SSH
4. Additional Troubleshooting for SSH on Termux
   • Error: Connection Refused
   • Error: Server Listening on the Wrong Port
5. Conclusion

Step-by-Step Guide to Set Up SSH on Termux

Install OpenSSH in Termux

To get started, install the OpenSSH package, which allows you to run the SSH server on Termux:

$ pkg install openssh

Set a Password for SSH Access

After installing OpenSSH, you’ll need to create a password for the SSH connection:

$ passwd

This password will be required when logging into Termux via SSH.

Configure SSH to Use a Non-Privileged Port

By default, SSH uses port 22, which requires root privileges. Since Termux doesn’t run with root privileges, you need to configure SSH to use a port above 1024.

Open the SSH configuration file:

$ vim $PREFIX/etc/ssh/sshd_config

Change the default port from 22 to something like 2222:

Port 2222

Start the SSH Daemon

Once you’ve updated the configuration, start the SSH daemon:

$ sshd

This will start the SSH server on your specified port, allowing remote connections.

Troubleshooting SSH Setup in Termux

When trying to set up SSH on Termux, you may encounter some common errors. Below are the most frequent issues and how to resolve them.

Error: Permission Denied, Unable to Bind to Port 22

If you try to bind SSH to port 22, you might see the following error:

$ Bind to port 22 on :: failed: Permission denied
$ Bind to port 22 on 0.0.0.0 failed: Permission denied

Cause: This happens because Termux doesn’t have root privileges to use port 22.

Solution:
Change the port to a non-privileged port above 1024 (e.g., 2222):

Port 2222

After editing the port in the configuration file, restart the SSH service:

$ sshd

Error: SSHD Not Running

If SSHD fails to start or seems unresponsive, running it in debug mode can help:

$ sshd -d

Debug mode provides logs that can pinpoint the exact problem, whether it’s a configuration error or a permissions issue.

Error: Unable to Bind to Any Address

If you receive this error:

$ Bind to address 0.0.0.0 failed: Permission denied

Ensure you’ve correctly set the port above 1024 in the configuration file. Additionally, check that no other process is using the selected port.

How to Connect to Termux via SSH

Once you’ve successfully set up SSH on Termux, follow these steps to connect remotely.

Find Your Android Device’s IP Address

In Termux, run this command to identify your IP address:

$ ip a

You’ll likely see your IP address under the wlan0 network interface if connected to Wi-Fi.

SSH from Another Device

From a terminal on another device, you can SSH into Termux using the following command (replace 192.168.x.x with your device’s IP address):

$ ssh user@192.168.x.x -p 2222

You’ll be prompted for the password you set earlier in Termux.

Additional Troubleshooting for SSH on Termux

Error: Connection Refused

If your SSH connection is refused, verify that the SSH server is running by checking the process:

$ ps aux | grep sshd

If SSHD isn’t running, start it again:

$ sshd

Error: Server Listening on the Wrong Port

If you can’t connect to Termux, check if the server is listening on the correct port by running SSHD in debug mode:

$ sshd -d

This will display logs indicating the active port and any potential issues.

Conclusion

By following this guide on how to set up SSH on Termux, you’ll be able to access and control your Termux environment remotely. Whether you’re troubleshooting SSH errors or simply looking to connect via another device, these steps will ensure a smooth experience. Remember, SSH is a powerful tool for remote management, but make sure to configure it securely by changing the default port and using strong passwords.

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