How to Log In to MikroTik Router via SSH

Secure Shell (SSH) is a powerful way to log into your MikroTik router’s command-line interface over a secure, encrypted connection. It’s especially useful for remote management and automation. Whether you’re using Windows, macOS, or Linux, connecting via SSH is straightforward if your MikroTik router is properly configured for logging in.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Ensure SSH Access is Enabled on the Router

By default, SSH is enabled on MikroTik devices, but it’s good to verify.

• Open Winbox or WebFig.
• Navigate to IP > Services.
• Ensure that SSH (Port 22) is enabled and not blocked by firewall rules.
• Optional: Restrict SSH access by IP or interface for security.

SSH (Port 22) is enabled

Log in to MikroTik router with SSH by enabling the necessary ports. There are more services that you can allow or disable those ports.

Step 2: Identify the Router’s IP Address

• You need the router’s public IP, local IP, or hostname to connect.
• You can find this in IP > Addresses in Winbox/WebFig.

Here, I am testing with the Mikrotik Default IP Address 192.168.88.1, which is necessary for logging in.

Step 3: Use an SSH Client

On Windows: Using PuTTY

1. Download and install PuTTY.
2. Open PuTTY.
3. In the Host Name (or IP address) field, enter the router’s IP to log in.
4. Set Port to 22 and Connection type to SSH.
5. Click Open.
6. When prompted, enter your MikroTik username and password.

After you have downloaded the putty application and double click on it

Enter your Mikrotik IP Address: 192.168.88.1, Port: 22, Select SSH, and you can save or not, up to you. And below, you use Always or Only on clean exit, then click Open

When logging in for the first time, it alerts like this, just click on Accept. Then it will log in to the Mikrotik that you need to enter the Username and Password as admin. Now I don’t set up a username and password login because example by default.

Now, you can log in to Mikrotik router successfully. It is the CLI terminal, completing the Log In MikroTik Router with SSH process.

On macOS/Linux: Using Terminal

If you use macOS or Linux, please follow with below step

1. Open the Terminal, a key component to log in MikroTik router with SSH.
2. Type the following command: ssh [email protected] Replace admin with your username and 192.168.88.1 with your router’s IP.
3. Enter your password when prompted.

Step 4: You Are Now Logged In

• Once logged in, you’ll see the MikroTik CLI prompt.
• From here, you can run configuration commands, monitor traffic, and more.

Accessing your MikroTik router via SSH gives you secure and direct control over your network device. It is ideal for both remote administration and script-based configuration. Always use strong passwords and restrict SSH access where possible to maintain security. With just a few steps, you’re connected and in full command of your MikroTik router after logging in with SSH.