> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.loupp.dev/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How to Link Shared Host with Loupp

> Complete guide to connect your shared hosting account with Loupp for automated deployments and management

## Overview

Linking your shared hosting account with Loupp enables automated deployments, environment management, and server monitoring. This guide walks you through the complete process of establishing the connection between your shared hosting provider and Loupp.

## Prerequisites

Before linking your shared hosting with Loupp, ensure you have:

<Check>
  * Active shared hosting account with shell access enabled
  * Hosting provider that supports SSH connections
  * PHP and Composer available on your hosting
  * Sufficient disk space for your applications
</Check>

## Step-by-Step Linking Process

### Step 1: Enable Shell Access on Your Hosting

First, you need to enable SSH access in your hosting control panel:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Access cPanel">
    Log in to your hosting provider's cPanel dashboard
  </Step>

  <Step title="Navigate to Security">
    Go to the "Security" tab and select "SSH Access"
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enable SSH">
    Toggle the SSH button to "On" to enable shell access

    <Info>
      Some hosting providers may require you to contact support to enable SSH access
    </Info>
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Frame caption="SSH Access section in cPanel showing the toggle button">
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/loupp/5gXCjJEiARFpZ7GV/images/cpanel-ssh-access.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=5gXCjJEiARFpZ7GV&q=85&s=23257f9defd658800b31d647b47ed7c6" alt="cPanel SSH Access section with toggle button" width="715" height="390" data-path="images/cpanel-ssh-access.png" />
</Frame>

### Step 2: Generate SSH Key in Loupp

Loupp will automatically generate SSH keys for secure server access:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Create Shared Hosting Server">
    In Loupp dashboard, navigate to "Shared Hosting Servers" and click "New Server"
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select Provider">
    Choose your hosting provider from the list or select "Custom" for unsupported providers
  </Step>

  <Step title="Configure Server Details">
    Fill in your server information:

    * **Name**: Descriptive identifier for your server
    * **Domain**: Your website domain
    * **Server IP**: Hosting server IP address
    * **Username**: Hosting account username
    * **Port**: SSH port (usually 21002 for shared hosting)
    * **Files Directory**: Where files are stored (default: repository name)
    * **Public Directory**: Publicly accessible directory (default: public\_html)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Generate SSH Key">
    Loupp automatically generates a unique SSH key pair for your server
  </Step>
</Steps>

### Step 3: Import SSH Key to Your Hosting

Copy the generated SSH key from Loupp and add it to your hosting account:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Copy SSH Key">
    Copy the generated SSH public key from Loupp dashboard
  </Step>

  <Step title="Access SSH Key Management">
    In cPanel, go to "Security" → "SSH Access" → "Manage SSH Keys"
  </Step>

  <Step title="Import Public Key">
    Click "Import" and paste the SSH key from Loupp into the "PUBLIC KEY" textbox

    <Warning>
      Make sure to copy the entire public key, including the "ssh-rsa" prefix and comment
    </Warning>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Authorize the Key">
    Click "Manage Action" and then "Authorize" to activate the SSH key
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Frame caption="SSH Key import interface in cPanel">
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/loupp/5gXCjJEiARFpZ7GV/images/cpanel-ssh-import.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=5gXCjJEiARFpZ7GV&q=85&s=d2bc0a0892534907434b46d06a3d0ed4" alt="cPanel SSH key import form with public key textbox" width="1123" height="673" data-path="images/cpanel-ssh-import.png" />
</Frame>

### Step 4: Verify Connection

After importing the SSH key, Loupp will verify the connection:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Test Connection">
    Loupp automatically tests SSH connectivity to your server
  </Step>

  <Step title="Verify Status">
    Check that your server status shows as "Active" in the dashboard

    <Info>
      The verification process may take a few minutes to complete
    </Info>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Check Logs">
    Review connection logs to ensure successful authentication
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Troubleshooting Common Issues

### SSH Connection Problems

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Connection Refused">
    **Problem**: SSH connection is refused

    **Solutions**:

    * Verify SSH is enabled in your hosting control panel
    * Check if your hosting plan includes SSH access
    * Contact hosting provider to enable shell access
    * Verify the correct port number (usually 21002)
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Authentication Failed">
    **Problem**: SSH key authentication fails

    **Solutions**:

    * Ensure the complete public key was copied
    * Verify the key is properly authorized in cPanel
    * Check that the username matches your hosting account
    * Try regenerating the SSH key in Loupp
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Port Issues">
    **Problem**: Cannot connect on specified port

    **Solutions**:

    * Confirm the correct SSH port with your hosting provider
    * Try common ports: 22, 21002, 2222
    * Check if your hosting uses a custom SSH port
    * Verify firewall settings allow SSH connections
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

### Hosting Provider Issues

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="SSH Not Available">
    **Problem**: Hosting provider doesn't support SSH

    **Solutions**:

    * Upgrade to a hosting plan with shell access
    * Switch to a provider that supports SSH
    * Use alternative deployment methods (FTP, Git hooks)
    * Contact hosting support for SSH enablement
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="PHP/Composer Missing">
    **Problem**: Required tools not available

    **Solutions**:

    * Verify PHP version meets requirements (7.4+)
    * Check if Composer is installed
    * Contact hosting provider to install missing tools
    * Use hosting provider's one-click installers
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Next Steps After Linking

Once your shared hosting is successfully linked with Loupp:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Connect Repository" icon="git">
    Link your Git repository for automated deployments
  </Card>

  <Card title="Configure Environment" icon="settings">
    Set up environment variables and configuration files
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Deploy Application" icon="rocket">
    Perform your first deployment to verify everything works
  </Card>

  <Card title="Set Up Monitoring" icon="activity">
    Configure logging and monitoring for your application
  </Card>
</CardGroup>