Importing Connections

If you are switching from another SSH client, ZestSSH can import your existing connections and keys so you do not have to set everything up from scratch.

Importing from JuiceSSH

ZestSSH can import JuiceSSH backup files directly. This is the fastest way to migrate if you are coming from JuiceSSH on Android.

Creating a JuiceSSH Backup

1. Open JuiceSSH on your Android device.
2. Go to Settings > Backup / Restore.
3. Tap Create Backup and save the backup file.
4. Transfer the backup file to the device where ZestSSH is installed (if different).

Importing the Backup

1. Open ZestSSH and go to Settings > Import.
2. Select JuiceSSH Backup.
3. Browse to and select your JuiceSSH backup file.
4. ZestSSH will parse the backup and display the connections found.
5. Select which connections to import and tap Import.

Your connections, including saved hostnames, ports, usernames, and associated identities, will be imported. Passwords may need to be re-entered depending on how JuiceSSH encrypted them.

Importing SSH Keys

ZestSSH supports importing private keys in multiple formats:

OpenSSH PEM Keys

Standard OpenSSH private key files (the format generated by ssh-keygen):

1. Go to Settings > Keys (or the Key Management section).
2. Tap Import Key.
3. Browse to your private key file (typically id_ed25519, id_rsa, or id_ecdsa).
4. If the key is passphrase-protected, enter the passphrase when prompted.
5. Give the key a label for easy identification.

PuTTY .ppk Files

ZestSSH can import PuTTY’s proprietary .ppk key format directly:

1. Go to Settings > Keys.
2. Tap Import Key.
3. Select your .ppk file.
4. Enter the passphrase if the key is protected.

There is no need to convert .ppk files to OpenSSH format first — ZestSSH handles the conversion automatically.

Importing from Termius

Termius does not provide a direct export format, but you can migrate your connections manually or via SSH config:

Via SSH Config File

If you have an ~/.ssh/config file (from Termius or any other client):

1. Locate your SSH config file. On desktop systems, it is typically at ~/.ssh/config.
2. In ZestSSH, go to Settings > Import.
3. Select SSH Config and browse to your config file.
4. ZestSSH will parse the host entries and create connections for each one.

Manual Migration

For connections not covered by SSH config:

1. Note the hostname, port, username, and authentication method for each connection in Termius.
2. Create each connection manually in ZestSSH following the First Connection guide.

See also Migrating from Termius for a detailed walkthrough.

Importing from PuTTY (Windows)

If you are moving from PuTTY on Windows:

1. Export your PuTTY private keys as .ppk files (if not already saved).
2. Import the .ppk keys into ZestSSH as described above.
3. Recreate your saved sessions as ZestSSH connections — see Replacing PuTTY for a complete guide.

Importing ZestSSH Backups

If you are restoring from a ZestSSH backup (.zest format):

1. Go to Settings > Backup & Restore.
2. Tap Restore Backup.
3. Select your .zest backup file.
4. Enter the backup password (minimum 12 characters, the same password used when the backup was created).
5. All connections, keys, snippets, and settings will be restored.

Next Steps

• Generate new SSH keys
• Set up security features
• Detailed JuiceSSH migration guide
• Detailed PuTTY replacement guide