This page takes you from a fresh install to your first SSH session. You don't need an account for any of it.
1. Install MorphGate
Download the package for your system from the download page. Installation notes for each system are on Install and update.
2. Create your vault
The first time MorphGate starts, it shows Create your vault. Your hosts, keys and passwords are kept in this vault, encrypted on your device with your master password.
- Choose a master password of at least 8 characters. A passphrase of four or more words works well. The meter under the field shows how strong it is.
- Repeat it, then choose Create vault. Deriving the keys takes a moment.
- MorphGate shows your recovery key. Copy it or write it down, and keep it somewhere safe, away from this computer.
- Tick I stored it somewhere safe, away from this computer, then choose Open my vault.
The recovery key is the only way back in if you forget your master password. Nobody, including MorphGate, can reset the password for you, and the key is not shown again. You can make a new one later. See Master password and recovery key.
If you already use MorphGate sync on another device, choose Already use MorphGate sync? Sign in instead. See Devices, signing in and signing out.
3. Add a host
- In the sidebar, next to Hosts, choose New host (the plus button), or Add your first host.
- Fill in a Label, the Hostname or IP and the Port (22 by default).
- Enter the User and pick how to sign in: Password, SSH key or SSH agent. Leave the password empty if you want to be asked each time.
- Choose Save & connect.
To connect once without saving anything, use Quick connect (the plus at the end of the tab bar). More on hosts: Hosts, groups and identities.
4. Check the host key
The first time you connect to a host, MorphGate shows Unknown host key with the key's fingerprint. Compare it with the one your server's admin gave you, then choose Trust and connect. From then on the key is pinned, and MorphGate won't connect if the host answers with a different one. See SSH keys and host keys.
5. What next
- Generate or import an SSH key: SSH keys and host keys.
- Reach a host through another one: Jump hosts.
- Give a host its own VPN: A VPN per host.
- Browse files: SFTP file browser.
- Unlock faster and lock when idle: Unlocking and auto-lock.
- Use the same vault on another device: How sync works.
Where things are
- Sidebar
- Hosts, keys, identities, snippets, tunnels and VPNs, with a search box for hosts.
- Top of the sidebar
- The MorphGate logo opens About (version and updates). The sliders icon opens Settings (app theme and terminal appearance). The shield opens Security (master password, recovery key, unlock, auto-lock and export). The lock locks the vault.
- Bottom of the sidebar
- Sync, and once sync is on, Teams. Session logs appears once a host records its sessions.
MorphGate is open source. The app's code is at github.com/valicm/MorphGate. If something doesn't work, see Get help and report a problem.