FlashPanel

Grant Root Access ​

The Grant Root Access feature lets FlashPanel regain root access to manage your server through a simple and secure 3-step process.

When to use this feature ​

You should use the Grant Root Access feature in the following situations:

Password recovery without Master Key ​

When you recover your FlashPanel account password without entering the master key, the system cannot decrypt encrypted data. In this case, you need to use this feature to re-establish access and restore your ability to manage the server.

Public key lost or invalid ​

When the public key registered on your server is lost or becomes invalid for some reason (for example: accidentally deleted, server configuration changes, system errors), you will not be able to access the server through FlashPanel. This feature helps you create and install a new public key to restore the connection.

Note

This feature should only be used when absolutely necessary. If you can still access the server normally, you do not need to use this feature.

Overview ​

The root access grant process is performed through 3 sequential steps:

  1. Generate Key - The system automatically generates an SSH key pair
  2. Install - Copy and run the command on the server
  3. Grant Root Access - Enter your password to complete

Accessing the feature ​

To open the Grant Root Access screen, follow these steps:

  1. Log in to the FlashPanel system
  2. Navigate to the server management page:
    • From the server list page, click the name of the server you want to manage
    • Or directly access the server detail page
  3. Find the "Utilities" group on the server detail page
  4. Click on the "Grant Root Access" card in the Utilities group

After clicking, a dialog opens displaying the Grant Root Access screen with 3 steps.

Step 1: Generate Key ​

When you open the feature, the screen displays:

  • Warning message explaining that FlashPanel cannot access the server and needs root access again
  • "Generate Key" button (pink) at the bottom right
  • "Close" button (if available) to close the window

Actions ​

  1. Read the warning message carefully
  2. Click the "Generate Key" button to start
  3. Wait for the system to generate the key (the button will show a loading state)

After the key is successfully generated, the screen automatically moves to step 2.

Step 2: Install ​

The screen displays:

  • Title: "Copy this command and paste in terminal"
  • Command box: Contains the command to run on the server, with a "Copy command" button
  • "Back" button to return to step 1
  • "Continue" button (blue) to go to the next step

Important

You must use an SSH client or VNC console (provided by your VPS provider) to access the server and run the provided command. This command only works when executed directly on the server, not on your local computer or within the FlashPanel interface.

Actions ​

  1. Copy the command: Click "Copy command" to copy the entire command to your clipboard
  2. Access the server: Log in to the server as root using an SSH client (such as PuTTY, Terminal, or other SSH tools) or the VNC console from your VPS provider
  3. Paste and run the command: Paste the copied command into the terminal on the server and press Enter to execute
  4. Wait for the command to complete execution
  5. Click the "Continue" button to move to the final step

Note

The command is prepared to add the new key for the root account and every system user on the server. You only need to copy and run it once.

Step 3: Grant Root Access ​

The screen displays:

  • Two warning messages:
    • After granting access, the server is no longer shared with your teams and you need to share it again
    • Request to confirm your password for security
  • "Password" field: Where you enter your password
  • "Back" button to return to step 2
  • "Grant Root Access" button (red) to complete

Important

You need to enter your FlashPanel account password, not the root password of your VPS. This is the password you use to log in to the FlashPanel system.

Actions ​

  1. Read the warning messages carefully
  2. Enter your FlashPanel account password in the password field (not the VPS root password)
  3. Click the "Grant Root Access" button to complete

After success, the system displays a confirmation message and automatically resets to step 1.

Error Handling ​

If an error occurs:

  • Password error: Error message displays directly below the password input field
  • Other errors: Error message displays as a notification on the screen

You can:

  • Check the information you entered
  • Try again from the corresponding step
  • Use the "Back" button to return to previous steps

Security Notes ​

  • Root is the highest level of access on the server. This feature grants root access to FlashPanel so it can keep managing your server
  • The password you enter in step 3 is only used to confirm your identity
  • Warning: After granting access, the server is no longer shared with your teams. Share it again if needed
  • Once complete, you can continue managing the server as usual