Problem connecting to SSH with key file

[GonzaloHD]

Description:

I am unable to connect via SSH using a private key file in Acode.
Connecting with a password works fine, but any attempt with key authentication fails.

Steps I tried:

1. Tested with different private keys like RSA.

2. Pasted the private key directly into the Keyfile field.

3. Entered the full path to a file containing the private key.

4. Placed the key file in different locations (/storage/emulated/0/Documents/, .ssh/, etc.).

Error shown in Acode:

I/0 error: Authentication failed

Relevant log snippet from Acode.log:

[2025-08-09T12:58:23.620Z] [ERROR] Unhandled rejection: Unknown reason

(Not sure if this log entry is related to the authentication issue.)

Acode version:
1.11.5 (964)

Expected behavior:
SSH connection should succeed using the provided private key file, just like it does with password authentication.

Notes:

The same private key works successfully when connecting with ssh -i from Termux on the same device.

This suggests the issue may be related to Acode’s access to the key file.

Thanks for your help!

[RohitKushvaha01]

This issue was already reported at #1289

[GonzaloHD]

I wanted to provide more details about my case, and I’m not completely sure if it’s the same issue as in #1289, so I decided to open a new thread.

Any guidance on how I might solve this would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[bajrangCoder]

@GonzaloHD
That input field is for key file path ,not the key itself so just select the key from your device that's it.

Btw in your case try checking these stuff :

• port
• host
• pass phrase (if added)

I have already tested Today with different key files and it's working smoothly.

[GonzaloHD]

Thanks for your reply @bajrangCoder

I’ve tried multiple times, it works if I use password authentication, but it fails the same way all the time when using the SSH key (even though the same key works fine in Termux).

When I type in the "Keyfile" field, no file picker or media selector appears, I can only type the full path manually. Should a file picker be appearing instead?

I’ve attached a screenshot as reference.

[UnschooledGamer]

@GonzaloHD the referenced Screenshot doesn't seem to be using Acode's SFTP client

Here's how the Acode's Looks like:

[GonzaloHD]

Thanks, @UnschooledGamer
How do you open that SFTP client window? The one I’m trying to use is from the SSH Client plugin. I am using Acode editor Version 1.11.5 (964)

[UnschooledGamer]

Open sidebar of Acode.

1. If you don't have any folders open in it, It would say "Open Folder", Tap on it.
2. The File Browser will be opened, Press the plus ( ➕ ) icon.
3. A drop-down menu will open up. Select your relevant option (i.e Add SFTP). And follow the prompts.

If you already have Folders opened in the Sidebar. Either close them (by long pressing on them) or use The Files option from dots located at the top right side.

[GonzaloHD]

Thanks, I got it working. Appreciate the help, @UnschooledGamer