SSHVault Help

Short guide to getting started, activating your license, and getting support.

Getting started

1. Download and open SSHVault.
2. Create your vault — choose a master password (and optionally enable Touch ID).
3. Add a host: hostname, port, user, and your preferred authentication (password, SSH key, or certificate).
4. Connect — a new tab opens with the session.

Activating your license

After purchase your license key is emailed to you. To activate:

1. Open SSHVault.
2. Go to SSHVault menu → About SSHVault.
3. Paste your license key and click Activate.

The key is verified offline — SSHVault never phones home.

The 14-day trial

SSHVault includes a fully featured 14-day free trial. Once the trial ends, a valid license is required to open new connections. Your vault and saved hosts remain readable.

Lost your license key

Email support@lifesimplified.app with the email address you used at purchase and we'll resend it.

Authentication options

• Password — stored encrypted in your vault.
• SSH keys — ed25519 or ECDSA, with optional passphrase. Keys never leave your vault.
• CA certificate — for managed deployments using SSH certificates.
• Jump host (ProxyJump) — chain through a bastion automatically.

Port forwarding

SSHVault supports local, remote, and dynamic (SOCKS) forwarding. Forwards can run in the background — no need to keep an interactive shell open.

Moving between Macs

Export an encrypted .sshvault file from File → Export Vault… and import it on the new Mac. The export is encrypted with a passphrase you choose.

Host-key verification

SSHVault uses TOFU (Trust On First Use) — the first time you connect, you'll be asked to verify and pin the host fingerprint. On later connections, a mismatch will block the connection until you investigate.

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