NeoServer Private Keys: Generate, Import and Install

Keys are safer than passwords and shared by every server that accepts them. NeoServer keeps all keys in one place — open Private Keys from the side menu — where you can generate new ones, import keys you already use, and push the public half to your servers.

Quick reference

Key format	Supported
OpenSSH (-----BEGIN OPENSSH PRIVATE KEY-----)	Yes
PEM — RSA / EC / PKCS#8	Yes
PuTTY .ppk	Yes
Encrypted keys (passphrase)	Yes

Generate a key

Tap Generate Key and pick an algorithm:

• ED25519 — modern, fast and compact; the recommended choice for OpenSSH 6.5 and newer.
• RSA 4096 — strong compatibility with older systems and network devices.
• RSA 2048 — widest compatibility, smaller security margin.

Keys are generated on the device and never leave it unless you export them. The generator suggests a name (algorithm-date), derives the public key automatically, and shows the fingerprint with a visual random-art fingerprint after creation — the same art OpenSSH prints on first connect, so you can compare the two.

Import a key

Import opens the add form: name the key, then paste the private key text or use Choose File to read it from a file. NeoServer parses the block while you type and reports what it sees:

• the detected format and algorithm, with the key’s SHA256 fingerprint;
• a warning when the key is encrypted, asking for its passphrase (stored with the key so future connections stay one-tap);
• a duplicate check — saving the same key material twice tells you which saved key it matches.

The same form doubles as the editor: long-press a key in the list and pick Edit to rename it or update the key text.

Install the public key

A freshly generated key is useless until servers trust it. Three ways to spread one:

• Add to Servers — pick servers (or whole groups) from the searchable list; NeoServer appends the public key to each server’s ~/.ssh/authorized_keys over your existing login, showing per-server progress with a retry for failures.
• Copy Install Command — puts a ready-to-paste shell command on the clipboard for servers you reach another way.
• Copy Public Key / Share Public Key — the raw key line for portals, cloud consoles or a teammate.

Manage keys

Each row shows the algorithm’s color tile and short fingerprint. Long-press for the full menu: copy, install, share, edit, delete. Keys sync over iCloud between your devices, and a server can switch between its keys any time from its server settings form.