Free SSH Client for iPhone: Full Terminal Access in Your Pocket
Whether you're an on-call sysadmin, a developer who needs to push a hotfix at midnight, or a network engineer troubleshooting from the road, WebSSH gives you a full-featured SSH client on your iPhone — for free.
No subscription. No complicated setup. Just open the app, connect, and get to work.
What Is WebSSH?
WebSSH is a native iOS SSH client designed with privacy and security at its core. Unlike cloud-based terminal tools, WebSSH is entirely local — your credentials and session data never leave your device or pass through a third-party server. Everything goes directly from your iPhone to your remote host.
Available on the App Store, WebSSH supports iPhone, iPad, and Mac under a single Apple ID purchase.
Key Features of WebSSH on iPhone
Full SSH & Protocol Support
WebSSH supports all the protocols you need as a mobile sysadmin:
- SSH — encrypted shell sessions to Linux, Unix, macOS, or any SSH-enabled host
- SFTP — browse, upload, download, rename, and delete remote files
- Telnet — connect to legacy devices and network hardware
- Serial — for embedded systems and IoT workflows
Flexible Authentication
Forget worrying about whether your preferred auth method will work. WebSSH supports:
- Password authentication
- Challenge-response / two-factor authentication (2FA)
- RSA, DSA, and ED25519 keys
- PuTTY Private Key (.ppk) format
- Port Knocking
Built-in Sysadmin Tools
When a quick SSH session isn't enough, WebSSH's built-in diagnostic tools are right there in the app:
- Ping — verify host reachability
- Traceroute — trace the network path to a host
- Whois — look up domain registration data
- DNS Lookup — query A, MX, TXT, and other DNS records
Offline Shell with mashREPL
Away from your server but need a quick command? WebSSH includes mashREPL, a local offline shell with commands like ls, grep, curl, ping, tar, and many more — no network connection required.
SFTP File Management
Manage remote files directly from your iPhone:
- Browse remote directories
- Create, rename, and delete files and folders
- Edit text files in-app
- Upload files from your iPhone to the server
- Download files from the server to your iPhone
Free vs. Pro: What's the Difference?
WebSSH is one of the most generous free SSH clients on the App Store. The free version includes access to all features — the only limit is that you can save one connection at a time.
If you manage multiple servers, upgrading to WebSSH Pro unlocks unlimited saved connections. It's a one-time purchase — not a subscription. One purchase covers all your Apple devices (iPhone, iPad, Mac) sharing the same Apple ID.
See the full pricing details to compare.
Getting Started on iPhone
- Download WebSSH from the App Store
- Tap + to add your first connection
- Enter your host, port (default: 22), username, and authentication method
- Tap Connect — you're in
Your session opens in a full terminal interface optimized for mobile input, with a keyboard accessory row for special keys like Tab, Ctrl, Esc, and arrow keys.
Why Choose WebSSH Over Other SSH Apps for iPhone?
- Privacy-first: no data routed through third-party servers
- No subscription: one-time Pro upgrade, not a recurring fee
- Works offline: mashREPL gives you a local shell even without Wi-Fi
- Active development: regularly updated, open issues tracked on GitHub
- Universal purchase: one buy = iPhone + iPad + Mac
Frequently Asked Questions
Is WebSSH really free on iPhone?
Yes. The free version of WebSSH lets you connect to any SSH server with all features enabled. The only limitation is that you can only save one connection at a time. Upgrade to Pro for unlimited saved connections.
Is it safe to use WebSSH on iPhone over public Wi-Fi?
SSH itself encrypts your entire session, so using WebSSH over public Wi-Fi is as secure as any SSH connection. WebSSH also doesn't route your traffic through any third-party servers — the connection is directly from your iPhone to your remote host.
What iPhone models does WebSSH support?
WebSSH runs on any iPhone that supports iOS 26 or later.
Can I use SSH keys stored in the iOS Files app?
Yes. You can import your private key files (PEM, OpenSSH, or PuTTY format) from the iOS Files app or any compatible cloud storage provider.
Does WebSSH support two-factor authentication (2FA)?
Yes. WebSSH supports challenge-response authentication, which is used by servers configured with Google Authenticator, Duo, and other TOTP-based 2FA systems.
Can I copy and paste in SSH sessions on iPhone?
Yes. You can tap and hold in the terminal to select text, copy it to your clipboard, and paste it into any field. The keyboard accessory row also includes dedicated paste and clipboard controls.
Does WebSSH work with non-standard SSH ports?
Yes. When adding a connection, you can specify any port number. The default is 22, but you can enter any custom port your server is configured to use.
Download WebSSH for iPhone
Ready to connect? WebSSH is free to download and free to use.