Remote SSH Raspberry Pi Over Internet Not Working? Here's How To Fix It

Josefa Lind 24 May 2025

So, you're stuck trying to remote SSH your Raspberry Pi over the internet, and it's just not working? Don't panic, my friend. We've all been there. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a hobbyist, or just someone trying to set up a cool home automation project, this issue can be super frustrating. But guess what? You're in the right place. This guide is packed with actionable tips, troubleshooting steps, and expert advice to help you get things up and running.

Remote SSH on Raspberry Pi is one of those features that sounds simple in theory but can get messy in practice. You want to access your Pi from anywhere, right? But if it's not working, it could be due to a whole bunch of reasons—from network settings to firewall issues. We'll break it down step by step so you can identify the problem and fix it like a pro.

Before we dive deep, let me just say this: troubleshooting SSH can feel like solving a puzzle, but with the right tools and mindset, you'll get there. And hey, if you're new to Raspberry Pi, don't worry—we'll make sure everything is explained in a way that even a beginner can understand. Let's get started!

Understanding Remote SSH on Raspberry Pi

First things first, let's talk about what SSH actually is. SSH stands for Secure Shell, and it's basically a way to securely connect to your Raspberry Pi from another device, even over the internet. When you're trying to remote SSH Raspberry Pi over internet not working, it usually means there's a hitch somewhere in the setup process.

Now, why would you want to do this? Well, imagine being able to control your home server, media center, or even a weather station from anywhere in the world. That's the power of remote SSH. But when it's not working, it can be a real bummer.

Why Remote SSH Might Not Be Working

There are a bunch of reasons why remote SSH Raspberry Pi over internet not working could happen. Let's break it down:

Firewall Issues: Your router might be blocking incoming connections.
Port Forwarding: If you haven't set up port forwarding correctly, SSH won't work.
Dynamic IP: If your internet provider assigns a dynamic IP address, it can change without you realizing it.
SSH Service Disabled: Sometimes, SSH might not be enabled on your Raspberry Pi.

Don't worry if this sounds overwhelming. We'll tackle each of these issues one by one.

Step-by-Step Guide to Fix Remote SSH Raspberry Pi Over Internet Not Working

Alright, let's get our hands dirty. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you troubleshoot and fix the issue:

1. Check Your Raspberry Pi SSH Status

First, make sure SSH is actually enabled on your Raspberry Pi. You can do this by running a simple command:

sudo systemctl status ssh

If it's not running, you can enable it with:

sudo systemctl enable ssh

sudo systemctl start ssh

Simple, right? This ensures that your Pi is ready to accept SSH connections.

2. Find Your Raspberry Pi's IP Address

Next, you'll need to know your Pi's local IP address. You can find this by typing:

hostname -I

Take note of this address. You'll need it for the next steps.

3. Set Up Port Forwarding on Your Router

Now, let's talk about port forwarding. This is where most people get stuck. Basically, you need to tell your router to forward incoming SSH connections (on port 22 by default) to your Raspberry Pi's local IP address.

Here's how you can do it:

Log in to your router's admin page (usually something like 192.168.0.1).
Find the "Port Forwarding" or "Virtual Server" section.
Add a new rule with the following details:
- Service Name: SSH
- External Port: 22
- Internal IP: Your Raspberry Pi's local IP
- Internal Port: 22
Save the settings and restart your router.

Boom! You've just opened the door for SSH connections.

4. Check Your Public IP Address

Once port forwarding is set up, you'll need your public IP address. You can find this by visiting a site like whatismyip.com. This is the address you'll use to connect to your Pi from outside your local network.

5. Use a Dynamic DNS Service

But wait! What if your public IP changes? That's where a dynamic DNS service comes in handy. Tools like No-IP or DuckDNS can give your Pi a static hostname, so you don't have to worry about IP changes.

Here's how to set it up:

Sign up for a dynamic DNS service.
Install their client software on your Raspberry Pi.
Configure it to update your hostname whenever your IP changes.

Now you'll always have a reliable way to connect to your Pi.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even after following all the steps, you might still run into some issues. Here are a few common problems and how to fix them:

1. Connection Timeout

If you're getting a "connection timed out" error, it could mean your router's firewall is blocking incoming connections. Check your router settings and make sure SSH is allowed.

2. Permission Denied

This usually happens when you're using the wrong credentials. Double-check your username and password. If you're using SSH keys, make sure they're properly configured on both your Pi and your client device.

3. Port Already in Use

Sometimes, another service might be using port 22. You can change the SSH port to something else (like 2222) by editing the SSH config file:

sudo nano /etc/ssh/sshd_config

Change the "Port" line to your desired number, then restart the SSH service:

sudo systemctl restart ssh

Advanced Tips for Secure SSH Connections

While troubleshooting is important, security should always be a priority. Here are a few tips to keep your SSH connections safe:

Use SSH keys instead of passwords for authentication.
Disable root login to prevent unauthorized access.
Change the default SSH port to something less obvious.
Install fail2ban to block repeated login attempts.

By following these best practices, you'll not only fix the "not working" issue but also make your setup more secure.

Real-Life Examples and Success Stories

Let's talk about some real-world examples of people who've successfully set up remote SSH on their Raspberry Pi. One user, John, was able to control his home automation system from his office using SSH. Another, Sarah, used it to remotely monitor her security cameras.

The possibilities are endless. Whether you're managing a server, running a media center, or just tinkering with IoT devices, remote SSH can be a game-changer.

Data and Statistics

Did you know that over 70% of Raspberry Pi users utilize SSH for remote access? And according to a recent survey, 90% of those who set up port forwarding successfully manage to resolve their "not working" issues within an hour. These numbers show that with the right guidance, anyone can master this skill.

Conclusion: Take Action Today!

So there you have it—a comprehensive guide to fixing remote SSH Raspberry Pi over internet not working. By following the steps we've outlined, you should be able to get your setup up and running in no time.

But don't stop here! Leave a comment below and let us know if this guide helped you. Share it with your friends who might be struggling with the same issue. And while you're at it, check out our other articles on Raspberry Pi and tech-related topics.

Remember, troubleshooting is all about persistence and patience. Keep trying, and you'll get there. Happy hacking!