SSH into iPad using WinSCP & CyberDuck

How to SSH into iPad using WinSCP & CyberDuck (Windows, Mac)

In this iPad guide, you will learn how to SSH into iPad 3G, WiFi. In order SSH into iPad we are going to use WinSCP for Windows and CyberDuck for Mac. Once you SSH into iPad, you’ll be able to explore your iPad contents just like any other hard disk drive.

ssh into ipadWhat is SSH: SSH stands for Secure Shell. It allows data to be exchanged using a secure channel between two networked devices. A protocol that allows you to access your iPad from your desktop PC or MAC and execute commands on it (thus allowing you to copy any kind of data to and from the iPad without iTunes). It’s also used for a lot of customization things if you know what you’re doing.

NOTE: This guide requires your iPad to be connected to a wireless network. Your iPad and computer must be connected to the same wireless network. This guide is for both Windows and Mac users.

In order to SSH into your iPad you need to Jailbreak iPad first. Use the guide linked at the bottom to jailbreak your iPad.

How to SSH into iPad

STEP 1Install OpenSSH

*This step is same for both Windows and mac users.

First of all you need to install openSSH into iPad from Cydia. To do so:

  • Open the Cydia
  • Go to search tab and search for OpenSSH.
  • Tap on the  the OpenSSH from the search results
  • Tap the Install button at the top right corner and then Tap the Confirm button to Install the OpenSSH. Once done, reboot your iPad.

Windows Users

winscp sshSTEP 2 – Install WinSCP

Now Windows users download and install WinSCP.

Step 3 – Input Your iPad Details

Once you’ve installed the WinSCP, open it and enter the following details:

  • Hostname: Your iPad’s IP address. To find your iPad IP address got to: Setting > WiFi > *Your Network Name*
  • Username: root
  • Password: alpine
  • Protocol: SCP

and Hit the Login button. WinSCP will start connecting to your iPhone. If a Warning dialogue box appears, click Yes.

That’s it windows users, you’ve successfully SSH into your iPad.

Mac Users

cyberduck sshSTEP 2 – Install CyberDuck

Now Mac users download and install CyberDuck SSH client.

Step 3 – Input Your iPad Details

Once you’ve installed the WinSCP, open it, click on the Open Connection button at top-left corner and then enter the following details:

  • Protocol: SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol)
  • Server: Your iPad’s IP address. To find your iPad IP address got to: Setting > WiFi > *Your Network Name*
  • Username: root
  • Password: alpine

Now Hit the Connect Button. If you get Host Key Mismatch error, simply hit the Allow button.

That’s it. You’ve successfully SSH into your iPad and can browser your iPad contents.

Jailbreak iPad

You can jailbreak your iPad using Spirit Jailbreak. Follow the link below to jailbreak your iPad:

How to: Jailbreak iPad 3.2 with Spirit

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29 comments… add one
mrter2000 July 13, 2010, 7:49 am

great .. thank

Caburlingame January 2, 2011, 2:21 am

You can then change the root pwd, right?

kai siang April 6, 2011, 2:47 pm

i tried the winscp then it prompt me network error : connection refused. What should i do? pls help

junaid September 2, 2011, 10:03 am

hey i tried to transfer a file to my ipad 2 the 300 mb file took 1 hour to transfer any solution to speed up the process? thanks

dinh vi March 30, 2012, 1:30 pm

Thanks for share,
Can you tell me the way to connect to the internet through ssh?
Thank you!

rgb May 26, 2012, 11:49 pm

where put the ips files, what folder!

Ben from Scotland January 7, 2015, 2:45 pm

Check mac address of iPad WiFi card in settings and get ip address if the iPad doesn’t give it for the wireless card on YOUR network from a scan with softperfect network scanner. My iPad on last legs so didn’t even show on network first time

Brita Jpan July 12, 2017, 2:02 pm

Your iPad and computer must be connected to the same wireless network ?

Thuoc Diet Kien Nhat Ban November 24, 2017, 3:37 pm

Thanks for sharing

Visa Tan Tam July 20, 2018, 7:04 am

I cant install this app on my iPad. Can someone help?

All Might August 7, 2018, 6:42 am

where do I put the IPS files, which folder?

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