How to Connect to an SSH Server Using Nautilus (Ubuntu File Manager)

🔌 How to Connect to an SSH Server Using Nautilus (Ubuntu File Manager)

It’s very common to use SSH via the terminal and Samba via the file manager, especially if you come from a Windows background where Samba is the go-to protocol for file sharing.

But what if you want to connect to an SSH server using Nautilus, the Ubuntu file manager?

Well, it turns out it's incredibly simple — no command line required.

🖥️ Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Go to your desktop environment and open Files (a.k.a. Nautilus).
  2. On the left-hand side, scroll down and click Other Locations.
  3. At the bottom, you'll find an input labeled Connect to Server.
  4. In that box, enter the SSH address using the format:
ssh://username@server-ip

Example:

ssh://john@192.168.1.10
  1. If your server requires a password, Nautilus will prompt you to enter it.
  2. Once connected, the remote files will appear just like a local folder, and you can browse, copy, or open files as needed.

🧠 Why This Is Useful

  • You don't need to open a terminal.
  • You can drag and drop files easily.
  • It integrates perfectly with the GNOME desktop.

⚙️ Optional: SSH via Terminal (for comparison)

If you're used to the terminal, here’s the equivalent command:

ssh username@192.168.1.10

But unlike the file manager, this is mostly for command-line interaction — not file browsing.

✅ That’s All for Today!

Simple, clean, and no need to install anything extra.

If this tip helped you, leave a comment and share it with someone who’s still using only the terminal!

Talk to you soon! 👋