Enabling SSH access when vSphere Client and VAMI are unavailable for vCenter Server

Products

• VMware vCenter Server

Issue/Introduction

This article aims to provide steps to enable SSH on the vCenter Server appliance when the vCenter Server Appliance Management Interface (VAMI) and the vSphere Web Clients are unavailable.

Resolution

Enable SSH via the DCUI 

1. Open a remote console (or web console) to the VCSA VM from the ESXi host client
2. Press F2 to select "Customize System"
3. Login with root credentials
4. Navigate to "Troubleshooting Mode Options"
5. Select "Enable SSH"

Enable SSH from the Command Line

1. Open a remote console (or web console) to the VCSA VM from the ESXi host client
2. Press ALT + F1 to get a command line session. Note: If a login prompt is not presented, BASH is disabled. Follow the steps for the DCUI above, but select "Enable BASH" to enable the Bash shell.
3. Login with root credentials
4. Run the commands below to enable SSH:
   
   1. To view the current status:
      
      ssh.get
      
      
   2. Change SSH state to enabled:

ssh.set --enabled true
      
      Note: Use ‘false’ instead of 'true' to disable SSH.
      
      Example
      

      Command> ssh.get
Enabled: False

      Command> ssh.set --enabled true

      Command> ssh.get
Enabled: True