How to Change the SSH Port on Your VPS (Beginner-Friendly Guide)

Have you ever logged into your VPS server and wondered, “Is this secure enough?”
If you’re running a Linux VPS, especially for a mail server on VPS or business apps, security should be one of your top priorities.

One simple but powerful step you can take is changing the SSH port.
Don’t worry — you don’t need to be a server expert. We’ll walk through this together, step by step.

By the end of this guide, you’ll feel confident saying:
“Yes, I can manage my own virtual private server.”

What Is SSH and Why Does the Port Matter?

SSH (Secure Shell) is how you securely connect to your virtual private server.
By default, SSH uses port 22.

Here’s the problem:
Hackers already know this.

Automated bots constantly scan VPS hosting environments looking for servers that still use the default port. Changing it doesn’t make your server unbreakable — but it greatly reduces unwanted login attempts.

Think of it like changing your front door number instead of leaving it as “1”.

Why Businesses Use a VPS Server for Email and Applications

Many businesses choose a VPS for business email instead of shared hosting because it offers:

• Full control with root access

   

• Better privacy for sensitive emails

   

• More stable performance

   

• Custom security settings

   

If you’re running a self-hosted email server, an SMTP mail server, or internal business tools, securing SSH is essential.

This is one reason professionals prefer secure VPS hosting over basic hosting plans.

Benefits of Changing the SSH Port on a Linux VPS

Changing the SSH port is a VPS security best practice, especially for:

• Ubuntu VPS users

   

• Developers and IT admins

   

• Businesses running email servers

   

• Privacy-focused teams

   

Key benefits include:

• Fewer brute-force attacks

   

• Cleaner server logs

   

• Reduced exposure to bots

   

• Better protection for your business VPS hosting

   

It’s a small change with a big impact.

Before You Start (Important Safety Tips)

Before changing anything, take a moment to prepare.

Do this first:

• Make sure you have root access VPS

   

• Choose a new port number (for example: 2222 or 5022)

   

• Avoid common ports like 21, 25, or 80

   

• Keep your current SSH session open until testing is done

   

This helps prevent getting locked out of your cloud VPS.

Step-by-Step: How to Change the SSH Port on Ubuntu VPS

We’ll keep this simple and beginner-friendly.

Step 1: Connect to Your VPS Server

Use SSH as you normally do:

ssh root@your-server-ip

Step 2: Open the SSH Configuration File

Run this command:

nano /etc/ssh/sshd_config

This file controls how SSH works on your Linux VPS.

Step 3: Find the SSH Port Setting

Look for this line:

#Port 22

Remove the # and change the port:

Port 2222

You can use any unused port number.

Step 4: Save and Exit

• Press CTRL + O → Enter

   

• Press CTRL + X

   

Step 5: Restart the SSH Service

Apply the changes:

systemctl restart ssh

Step 6: Test the New SSH Port

Open a new terminal window and test:

ssh -p 2222 root@your-server-ip

If it works, you’re good to go 🎉

Only then should you close the old session.

Don’t Forget the Firewall (Very Important)

If your VPS server has a firewall enabled, you must allow the new port.

Example for UFW:

ufw allow 2222/tcp

ufw reload

This step is critical for reliable VPS hosting access.

Real-Life Use Cases

✔ Business Email Servers

Companies running a VPS for email server need stronger security to protect inboxes and client data.

✔ Internal Teams

Developers and remote teams use SSH daily. Changing the port keeps access clean and controlled.

✔ Privacy-Focused Users

If you manage your own Ubuntu server setup, this is one of the first hardening steps professionals take.

Common Beginner Questions