To add an SSH key to a new DigitalOcean Droplet, make sure you have its public key, choose SSH key under Choose Authentication Method on the Droplet creation page, and select or add at least one key before creating the Droplet. Keep the matching private key on your computer: DigitalOcean receives the public key, while your SSH client uses the private one to connect.
Prepare an SSH key pair
An SSH key pair has two parts: a public key, which you can add to DigitalOcean, and a private key, which must remain with you. DigitalOcean recommends SSH keys for Droplet logins rather than password-based authentication. Its guidance says password-based authentication is less secure.
Linux, macOS, or Windows Subsystem for Linux
Use OpenSSH’s ssh-keygen utility to generate a key pair if you do not already have one. DigitalOcean documents the default files as ~/.ssh/id_ed25519 (private key) and ~/.ssh/id_ed25519.pub (public key). When prompted, you can set a passphrase to protect the private key. Do not overwrite an existing key pair unless you are certain you no longer need it: replacing it can prevent access to systems that trust the old key.
For the DigitalOcean form, use the contents of the file ending in .pub, not the private-key file. Never paste or upload the private key.
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- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
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Windows without Bash
DigitalOcean documents PuTTY and PuTTYgen as the route for Windows users who do not have Bash. Use PuTTYgen to create a key pair, then provide the public-key text when adding the key to DigitalOcean. Keep the private key available to the SSH client you will use.
Add the public key to your DigitalOcean team
If the key is not already available in the team that will own the Droplet, add it in the Control Panel:
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- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
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- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
- Switch to the intended DigitalOcean team.
- Open Settings → Security → SSH Keys.
- Select Add SSH Key.
- Paste the public-key text into Public Key, enter a recognizable Key Name, and save.
A key uploaded to the team is available to select when creating future Droplets in that team. Confirm you are working in the intended team before provisioning.
Select the key while creating the Droplet
- Open the Droplet creation page and configure the Droplet.
- Under Choose Authentication Method, select SSH key.
- Select a key already uploaded to the team, or choose Add SSH Key and provide a public key from the page.
- Check that at least one key is attached, then create the Droplet.
Keep the corresponding private key on the computer from which you will connect. Selecting a team key authorizes the matching private key; the public key alone is not enough to authenticate as that key’s owner.
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- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Import a key with doctl instead
If you prefer a terminal workflow, DigitalOcean’s doctl command reference documents importing a local public-key file to the account with this command:
doctl compute ssh-key import <key-name> --public-key-file <path-to-public-key>
Replace <key-name> with a recognizable label and <path-to-public-key> with the path to the public-key file. Account import makes the key available when creating Droplets; it does not install that key on Droplets that already exist. The documented command reference was generated on 1 October 2026 for doctl v1.177.0, so check the current CLI reference if your installed version differs.
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- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Control Panel or doctl?
| Route | Where you work | What it does | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Control Panel | DigitalOcean browser interface | Adds a public key to the team for later selection, or lets you add/select a key during Droplet creation. | Visual setup or managing keys for repeated use. |
doctl import |
Terminal and account | Imports a local public-key file so it is available when creating Droplets; it does not change existing Droplets. | Command-line provisioning workflows. |
Both routes prepare a key for a new Droplet. Neither account import nor team upload, by itself, changes the authorized keys on an existing server.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.If the Droplet already exists
DigitalOcean says the Control Panel cannot add or modify SSH keys on a Droplet after creation. An existing server needs a separate server-side update, using command-line access or a recovery procedure. Manual installation places the public key in the relevant user’s ~/.ssh/authorized_keys file; the documented permissions are 700 for the ~/.ssh directory and 600 for authorized_keys. Take care to use the correct server user and preserve a working access path while making the change.
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- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Common problems and fixes
- The key is not offered during creation: confirm you switched to the intended team and uploaded the public key there, or add it directly from the creation page.
- You pasted a private key or the key is rejected: use the public-key text from the file ending in
.pub. Keep the private key local. - You imported the key with doctl but an existing Droplet still rejects it: account import only makes the key available for new Droplet creation. Install the public key on the existing server through a separate server-side procedure.
- You replaced a key and can no longer log in: the old private key may have been required by the server. Avoid overwriting key pairs until you know where they are used; use another working access method or a recovery procedure to update the server.
Or let it run in the cloud
StreamNeo is a separate service for keeping a YouTube channel live from uploaded videos; it does not manage DigitalOcean Droplets or SSH keys. Upload a recording, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. It runs from the cloud, so nothing has to stay on at home; uploaded video streams at its original quality up to 4K 60fps for one flat price per slot, with automatic recovery if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly pricing is $9.99 per month. Learn about StreamNeo or start the free day.
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