Step-by-Step Guide to SSH/SFTP For Windows/Mac

iPhones has been responsible in revolutionizing to a large extent the way we think, lead our lives and do business. However, until now there has been a void regarding the need for accessing files on iPhone.

Here's presenting a step-by-step tutorial for Windows/Mac Users using SSH/SFTP for accessing file on iPhone. It may have happened many a times when you come across require Open SSH in a tutorial, but do not know how to use it. This guide is directed at providing a quick walkthrough of SSH/SFTP installation and use.

Mac:

We made a video tutorial on how to use SSH on a Mac. We hope you like it! (YouTube-Link)



Windows:

Step 0 - Jailbreak your device

Step 1 - Install OpenSSH

To install OpenSSH on your iPhone, you have to first go to Cydia, and install OpenSSH - located in the network section. The next viable step is of course to install the BSD subsystem, although package is no longer available. So you gain a substantial leap by default, although SSH works absolutely fine without it.

Step 2 - Connect iPhone to your Wi-Fi network

Connect your iPhone to the Wi-Fi network. Please take a note that, in spite of being already connected, you will still require going into wireless settings to get your local IP address. Go to Settings>Wi-Fi, now tap on the blue arrow button next to your wireless router. You will be able to see your iPhone's IP address (as given in the address below).





Step 3 - Disable Auto-lock

Next, go to Settings>General>Auto-lock and Disable auto-lock. It is imperative for Wi-Fi to stay connected with SSH. Disabling auto-lock is significant because, in case your iPhone auto-locks then Wi-Fi will be disabled severing connection with SSH.





Step 4 - Install a Windows SSH client application

Necessary software has to be installed into the computer to connect. This can be done after proper installation of OpenSSH, and ensuring that the settings and IP are correct. The best proposition is to install WinSCP as the installation is simple and facilitates easy and simple file transfers when used in Norton commander mode. However, it is imperative to make sure that your desktop is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your iPhone.

Step 5 - Configure the SSH client application

Now that the installation of WinSCP is complete, proceed to open. Click New.


Enter your IP address in the Host text box. Put down the port number as 22. Then enter "root" in the Username text box and "alpine" in the password text box. Next just click Save and give a filename, which will help you reconnect quickly if required.



You may then enter a name and save the session for this connection.




Step 6 - Connect to your device (now the magic happens)

Select the just created saved connection and Click Login. A connecting window will open and you can see the WinSCP beginning to populate the iPhones file system. However, please take note that you may not be able to use the saved connection next time you try to use the SSH as the IP address of the iPhones may change.




Step 7 - You are Connected!

A message box will appear; click 'Yes' and wait until the PC establishes a connection with your iPhone. You have logged in and now have access to the phone�s file system.

Step 8 - Wait for a dialog box to appear.

The right panel displays the folders of the iPhone, the left one the folders of your PC. You can drag & drop files, rename them and make other files operations just as you do using Explorer in your PC.






You can now readily transfer files over for your projects like adding new custom SMS, email tones, and even remove videos off your iPhone. This will not only facilitate many jailbreaking projects, but will also help you develop a better understanding of your iPhone file structure.

Tips for using OpenSSH with iPhone:

- The password and username are the same for all iPhones equipped with OpenSSH. Therefore, preferably use Sbsettings to disable SSH when not in use.
- Changing password is essential to ensure that SSH is enabled instead of getting upset over unauthorized access.

- You can also get your IP address with other applications such as SBSettings or WhatIP