How to Log in to Plesk

Plesk is a widely used web hosting control panel that simplifies server and website management. This comprehensive guide provides detailed instructions on how to access the Plesk web interface through various authentication methods, ensuring you can efficiently manage your hosting environment and web services.

Applicable Systems:

• Plesk for Linux
• Plesk for Windows

Gaining access to the Plesk interface via a web browser is a crucial initial step for managing your server and websites effectively. This article outlines three primary authentication methods:

• Using your dedicated Plesk account credentials.
• Utilizing the root or administrator password of your server.
• Generating a secure one-time login link via SSH.

Important Firewall Configuration: For a successful connection to Plesk over HTTPS, it is imperative that the default port 8443 is properly opened in your server's firewall. For further guidance on this critical step, please consult the detailed article: How to open a port in a firewall for Plesk.

Method 1: Logging in with Plesk Account Credentials

To access the Plesk web interface using the credentials specifically assigned to your Plesk account, follow these straightforward steps:

1. In your preferred web browser, navigate to the Plesk login page. Enter the link in the address bar using the following format: https://<Server hostname or IP address>:8443.

   SSL/TLS Certificate Warning: Upon initial access, you might encounter a security warning regarding the SSL/TLS certificate. This typically occurs when a custom or properly configured SSL certificate has not yet been installed on your Plesk server. For the purpose of initial login, it is generally considered safe to bypass this warning and proceed.

2. On the subsequent login screen, input your Plesk account username and its corresponding password. For illustrative purposes, we often use admin as an example username:

   

3. Finally, click the Log In button to complete the authentication process.

After successfully authenticating, you will be directed to the main Plesk web interface, where you can commence managing your server and associated services.

Note on Root User Access: It is crucial to be aware that if access to Plesk has been explicitly disabled for the root user on your server, this particular login method using root or administrator credentials will not be available.

Method 2: Logging in with Server Root/Administrator Account Password

Alternatively, you can gain access to Plesk by using the root password (for Linux servers) or the administrator password (for Windows servers) that you use for server-level access. Here's how:

1. Open your web browser and type the Plesk login page link into the address bar, adhering to this format: https://<Server hostname or IP address>:8443.

   SSL/TLS Security Alert: Just as with the Plesk credentials method, you might encounter an SSL/TLS certificate warning. If no specific SSL certificate is installed for your Plesk panel, it's generally safe to bypass this warning to proceed with your login.

2. On the login prompt, enter root (for Linux) or administrator (for Windows) as the username, and provide the respective server root/administrator password:

   For Linux servers, use 'root':

   

   For Windows servers, use 'administrator':

   

3. Click the Log In button to finalize your access attempt.

Upon successful verification of your server's administrative credentials, you will be granted access to the Plesk web interface.

Method 3: Accessing Plesk via SSH (Using a One-Time Login Link)

For scenarios requiring heightened security or when direct credential login is not preferred, Plesk allows you to generate a unique, one-time login link through an SSH connection to your server. This method ensures a secure and temporary access pathway.

1. Establish an SSH Connection to Your Plesk Server. The specific SSH client you will use depends on your operating system:

   • For Linux and macOS Users: You can utilize any standard SSH client that you find most suitable. Remember to properly set the necessary permissions for your SSH key and ensure it is stored in the designated directory.

   • For Windows Users: We highly recommend using PuTTY, a widely recognized and free SSH client. If you choose to use PuTTY, please note that you may need to convert your existing SSH key into PuTTY's specific format (.ppk file).

2. Generate the One-Time Login Link. Once you have successfully established an SSH connection to your Plesk server, execute the following command in your terminal:

   # plesk login

   The command will output two distinct login links for your convenience:

   • https://<Server hostname>/login?secret=<session_token>
   • https://<Server IP address>/login?secret=<session_token>

3. Utilize the Generated Link for Login. Copy one of the provided links and paste it into the address bar of your web browser:

   • Prioritize using the link that includes your server's hostname: https://<Server hostname>/login?secret=<session_token>.

   • Should the hostname-based link fail to work for any reason, proceed by using the link featuring your server's IP address: https://<Server IP address>/login?secret=<session_token>.

     Important Note for NAT Environments: If your Plesk server operates behind a Network Address Translation (NAT) device, the generated link will typically display a private IP address. In such instances, you must manually replace this private IP address with the public IP address of your server before attempting to access the link in your browser.

   SSL/TLS Certificate Warning: As with the other login methods, you might encounter an SSL/TLS certificate warning. It is generally safe to bypass this warning for the purpose of a one-time login.

Further Assistance and Credential Recovery

For additional support, troubleshooting, or information regarding Plesk access, please consult the following resources:

• I Forgot my Plesk User Account Password
• How to log in to Plesk on Amazon Lightsail/DigitalOcean using SSH keys

Crucial Information for Forgotten Credentials: If you find yourself without your Plesk credentials or have forgotten them, please adhere to the following guidelines for recovery:

• If you are a Plesk administrator: You should contact your server hosting provider directly for assistance with credential recovery.
• If you are any other user: Please reach out to your Plesk administrator, who can assist you in recovering or resetting your access credentials.