Enabling SSH in macOS through Terminal

Summary

This article will explain how to turn on remote login (SSH) on macOS computers from Terminal and add a user to the remote login group.

This also works remotely using Apple Remote Desktop, as long as Remote Management is enabled on the remote computer.

Environment

• macOS
• SSH

Directions

Modify SSH Service

• Enable the service: sudo systemsetup -setremotelogin on
• See the current remote login status: sudo systemsetup -getremotelogin
• Disable remote login: sudo systemsetup -setremotelogin off

Add User to Remote Login Group

• sudo dseditgroup -o edit -a USERENAME -t user com.apple.access_ssh
• You can also add the user via System Settings > General > Sharing > Remote Login