🔐 How to Fix SSH Connection Refused on Kali Linux (2025 Complete Guide)

Trying to connect to your Kali Linux via SSH but getting Connection refused? This is one of the most common SSH problems, especially for users new to Kali Linux or after fresh installs. This detailed 2025 guide explains why SSH connection is refused and exactly how to fix it.

⚠️ Why SSH Connection Is Refused

• SSH server (sshd) is not installed or running.
• Firewall or iptables blocking port 22.
• SSH service configured to listen on a different port.
• Wrong IP address or hostname.
• Network issues or router blocking traffic.

✅ Step 1: Check if SSH Server is Installed

By default, Kali Linux may not have SSH server installed. Check with:

dpkg -l | grep openssh-server

If not installed, install it:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install openssh-server -y

🔧 Step 2: Start and Enable SSH Service

Start the SSH daemon:

sudo systemctl start ssh

Enable it to start on boot:

sudo systemctl enable ssh

Check status:

sudo systemctl status ssh

🔧 Step 3: Verify SSH is Listening on Port 22

Run:

sudo netstat -tulpn | grep ssh

Or:

sudo ss -tulpn | grep ssh

You should see something like 0.0.0.0:22 or ::22.

🔧 Step 4: Check Firewall or UFW Rules

If firewall is enabled, allow SSH port 22:

sudo ufw allow 22/tcp
sudo ufw reload
sudo ufw status

Or disable firewall temporarily for testing:

sudo ufw disable

🔧 Step 5: Confirm Correct IP and Hostname

Make sure you are connecting to the right IP address:

ip a

Use the correct IP in your SSH client:

ssh user@your_kali_ip

🔧 Step 6: Check SSH Config File

Open /etc/ssh/sshd_config and ensure:

• Port is set to 22 (or the port you are connecting to)
• ListenAddress is correct or commented out
• PermitRootLogin is set according to your needs (usually no for security)

Restart SSH after changes:

sudo systemctl restart ssh

🧠 Pro Tip: Change SSH Port for Security

To avoid scanning attacks, change the port from 22 to something else in sshd_config and update your firewall rules accordingly.

💬 Still Can’t Connect?

• Check router port forwarding if connecting over WAN.
• Check for VPN or proxy interference.
• Use verbose mode on SSH client to get detailed error messages: ssh -vvv user@ip

📌 Final Thoughts

“Connection refused” errors on Kali Linux SSH usually come down to SSH server not running or firewall blocking connections. Following these steps carefully will get your SSH working smoothly in 2025.

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