FlashPanel

Manage Global SSH Keys ​

Global SSH Keys are SSH keys attached to your account that are automatically added to every new server you create (for both the root and flashpanel accounts).

Automatic SSH Key Generation ​

When you connect your first server and your account has no global SSH key yet, the system automatically generates a default ED25519 SSH key for you.

How automatic generation works: ​

  1. The system generates a secure ED25519 key pair
  2. The key is saved as a global SSH key (named: FlashPanel - [email protected])
  3. You receive an email with 3 attached files:
    • OpenSSH Private Key: for Linux, macOS, and Windows OpenSSH
    • PuTTY Private Key (.ppk): for PuTTY on Windows
    • Public Key (.pub): your public key

Important - Save Your Keys! ​

⚠️ The private keys are only sent once via email. Make sure to:

  • Download all 3 files attached to the email notifying you that your SSH key was generated
  • Store them securely in a safe location
  • Use the appropriate key format for your operating system

The auto-generated key is added to that server and to every server you create afterwards.

Access the management page ​

Open the SSH Keys page from the main dashboard menu.

The page displays a list of all registered global SSH Keys, including:

  • Name: memorable name for the SSH key
  • Fingerprint: unique identifier of the key (displayed in pink)
  • Date Created: when the key was added to the system

Add new SSH Key ​

Step 1: Open the create dialog ​

Click the Add SSH Key button in the upper right corner of the list.

A dialog appears with the title "Add SSH Key" and a note: "These SSH keys will automatically be added to every server you create".

Step 2: Generate key automatically or enter existing key ​

You have two options:

Option 1: Generate key automatically

  1. Click the Generate SSH Key button in the upper right corner of the dialog
  2. The system will automatically generate a new SSH key pair and fill in the form
  3. A yellow warning displays with the message: "This private key is only issued once, please download the backup"
  4. You must download the following files for safekeeping:
    • OpenSSH Key: private key format for OpenSSH
    • PuTTY Key: private key format for PuTTY (.ppk file)
    • Public Key: public key (.pub file)

Option 2: Enter existing key

Fill in the following fields:

  • Name: memorable name for the SSH key (e.g., "My Laptop", "Work Computer")
  • Public key: paste the SSH public key content (format ssh-ed25519 AAAA... or ssh-rsa AAAA...)

Step 3: Complete ​

Click the Add SSH Key button to save the key.

The new key will appear in the list and automatically be added to all future servers.

Update SSH Key to existing servers ​

After adding a global SSH Key, you can sync it to servers you created earlier.

Step 1: Open the server selection dialog ​

In the SSH Keys list, click the Update to servers button on the row of the key you want to update.

Step 2: Select servers ​

The Update to servers dialog appears with a list of all existing servers and the instruction "Select the server you want to add the ... key to:".

  • Check the box for each server that needs the key.
  • You can select multiple servers at once.

Servers that already have this key will be pre-checked.

Step 3: Confirm update ​

Click the Submit button to start adding the key to the selected servers.

During processing, the interface displays the processing status. You cannot perform other actions on this key until it finishes.

Delete SSH Key ​

There are two ways to delete an SSH Key:

Method 1: Only delete key from global list ​

  1. Click the vertical three-dot icon (⋮) at the end of the key row to delete
  2. Select Delete SSH Key from the dropdown menu
  3. A confirmation dialog appears with the title Delete SSH Key
  4. Confirm deletion

The key is deleted from the global list but remains on the servers it was previously added to.

Method 2: Delete key from everywhere ​

  1. Click the vertical three-dot icon (⋮) at the end of the key row to delete
  2. Select Delete and Remove From Servers from the dropdown menu
  3. A confirmation dialog appears with the title Delete Key From Everywhere
  4. Confirm deletion

The key will be deleted from the global list and automatically removed from all existing servers.

Processing status ​

When an SSH Key is being processed (added to or removed from servers), the action buttons for that key will be disabled until completion.

You can track progress through the status displayed on the interface.

Important notes ​

  • Automatic key generation: A default SSH key is automatically created when you connect your first server (if your account has no global SSH key). Check your email for the private keys
  • Global SSH Keys are only added automatically to NEW servers. Existing servers must be updated manually with the Update to servers feature
  • Private keys are only displayed/sent once when automatically generated. Download and store them immediately
  • Email attachments: Private keys are sent as file attachments (not in email body) for security and convenience
  • File naming: File names are built from the key name in lowercase, with -, @, ., and spaces replaced by _ (no special characters). The PuTTY file ends in .ppk and the public key file ends in .pub
  • Deleting a key from the global list does not automatically delete it from servers unless Delete and Remove From Servers is selected
  • To learn more about creating SSH Keys, see SSH Keys Guide