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Getting remote access working the first time

Updated October 15, 2026

Kits ship with remote access turned off. Until you set it up at the unit, it will refuse SSH and remote desktop connections, however well it is connected to the network. Plan on about fifteen minutes with a screen and keyboard attached.

Important Do this with a screen and keyboard attached and the unit connected to the internet. The software below downloads during setup.

1. Connect a screen and keyboard

Mobile Use the built-in maintenance screen, or connect a monitor to the HDMI port. Remove the cap from the USB-C port on the case, plug in the supplied USB-C to dual USB-A cable, and connect a keyboard and mouse.

Drop-In Connect a monitor to the HDMI port on the front panel. On Elite units the USB ports are behind the removable dust cover; on Pro units use the USB port below the HDMI connector.

2. Log in and change the password

Log in with the default credentials supplied with the kit, then change the password before the unit joins any network you do not control. Open Terminal from the applications menu and run:

passwd

Enter the current password, then the new one twice. Nothing appears on screen while you type a password; that is normal.

3. Turn on SSH

SSH lets you reach the unit’s command line from another computer. In the same Terminal window, paste these lines one at a time and press Enter after each. Enter your new password if asked.

sudo apt update
sudo apt install openssh-server
sudo systemctl enable ssh
sudo systemctl start ssh

Confirm it is running with sudo systemctl status ssh. The output should include active (running).

4. Set up remote desktop

Remote desktop shows you the unit’s full screen from another computer. WarDragon uses RustDesk.

1. On the unit, install RustDesk from the software center, or download it from rustdesk.com ↗.
2. Open RustDesk on the unit. Note the ID it shows.
3. Go to Settings, then Security, and set a permanent password. Without one, every connection has to be approved at the unit.
4. In the same settings, turn on LAN discovery so the unit can also be reached by its IP address.
5. Install RustDesk on the computer you will connect from.
6. From that computer, enter the unit’s RustDesk ID or IP address, then the permanent password, and confirm you can see the unit’s desktop.

Note Test both SSH and remote desktop before you disconnect the screen and keyboard. If either fails afterward, you will need them again to fix it.

Connecting afterward

Connection	How
SSH	ssh dragon@<wardragon-ip>
Remote desktop	Enter the unit’s RustDesk ID or IP address, then the permanent password
On the unit’s hotspot	Join the unit’s Wi-Fi network; the unit is always at 192.168.12.1
On a LAN	Read the assigned address from the router’s DHCP lease table, hostname wardragon
Direct cable, no router	See Connecting to a WarDragon over a direct Ethernet cable

If it still refuses

Symptom	Likely cause	Action
SSH connection refused	SSH not installed	Complete step 3 at the unit
SSH times out	Wrong address or no network path	Check the IP address and that both ends share a network
Remote desktop will not connect	RustDesk not installed or no permanent password	Complete step 4 at the unit
Permission denied	Wrong credentials	Confirm the username and the changed password

Related

• WarDragon User Guide, Section 4 — first boot and local setup
• WarDragon User Guide, Section 10.3 — remote access troubleshooting

WarDragon is manufactured by Millenium Products Inc. Technical support for purchased kits is requested through the support page. Purchasing and quote requests go through the contact form.