Have you ever encountered an error message while connecting to a remote server? We’ll look at the SSH Could Not Resolve Hostname error message and explain its meaning and how to solve it.
The SSH Could Not Resolve Hostname error indicates that the server is unavailable or the hostname is not entered correctly. This error occurs when the hostname is not set up correctly, or the server is down. To fix this issue, you must ensure the hostname is correct, and the server is running.
So, read on to find out what you need to know about this error message and how you can try and fix it to put it right.
1. What is the SSH Protocol?
Secure Shell (SSH) is a network protocol that provides secure access to a remote computer over an unsecured network. It is used to securely access servers, applications, and services on the Internet or other networks.
SSH is typically used for authentication, file transfers, and shell access. It uses a client-server architecture for communication between two computers.
The client runs an SSH client application that connects to an SSH server on the remote machine. The server runs an SSH daemon (server) process that listens for incoming connections from the client.
To set it up, you need to use the SSH command and provide the relevant username and hostname of the remote host that you’re hoping to connect to.
If you haven’t set the secure shell up successfully, you may see the following error message:
“SSH could not resolve hostname.”
Although it’s frustrating, it’s not the end of the world if you see this message, as there are several things you can do to try and put it right, as we explain in what remains of this article.
2. What Does “SSH Could Not Resolve Hostname” Mean?
When trying to connect to a server via SSH, the user may encounter an error message that says, “SSH Could Not Resolve Hostname.”
The hostname is a unique name assigned to each computer connected to a network.
It can be used instead of an IP address when connecting to a server over SSH. This means that the computer could not locate the IP address associated with the hostname.
If the computer cannot resolve the hostname, it will not be able to connect. To fix this issue, the user should make sure their DNS settings are correct and that they can ping the hostname.
However, the error message might also be due to a typographical error that was inputted.
As a result, you will need to check this manually, and you may need to re-write it, as explained below.
3. How to Check for Typographical errors?
One of the first things to check for when troubleshooting this issue is to look for any typographical errors you have made. Some developers may mistakenly type the wrong IP address, resulting in an error message.
SSH software is particularly picky when it comes to the presentation of information, so you need to check that you’re directing it to the right resource. So, be sure to check for any typographical errors and amend accordingly.
At this stage, you should also check the hosts’ file, as this could inadvertently point SSH in the wrong direction, which is another reason why the above error message is now showing on your screen.
4. How to Fix the SSH Error Message?
Once you’ve checked your network connection and are sure that you haven’t made any typographical errors, the next thing to look at is how you’re using the SSH, which can also lead to the appearance of the error message.
Crucially, you need to make sure that you are using an accurate command to direct the SSH accordingly and the relevant code is as follows:
Ssh -p 22 user@IP ADDRESS
This will help most people get into the server using SSH.
However, if you still need access, check that your host’s files are configured correctly, as already mentioned.
In other words, you need to use your technical know-how to ascertain the root cause of the issue, as several potential problems with the server can cause it.
4. Where to Go for Further Help?
As you can see by the potential fixes, technical know-how might be necessary for removing the error message from your screen, and if you’re not comfortable with coding and need more technical expertise, you might need to reach out for help.
You can contact an online technician to help diagnose the problem and check that the coding is accurate.
As a Linux issue, it makes sense to begin your search on Linux forums, where you can connect with an engineer to help you.
Of course, if you have technical knowledge, it’s a matter of retracing your steps, checking for typographical errors, and ensuring that the host file is correctly configured.
Provided that you follow these steps, you should be able to remove the error message and press ahead with your application as planned.
Conclusion
The “SSH Could Not Resolve Hostname” is a relatively common error message that typically appears due to connectivity issues.
However, if there are no problems with your connection, it’s likely due to a typographical error, so you will need to retrace your steps.
If you can’t achieve a solution, you will need to contact a technical expert to help you.