Fix SSH "Too Many Authentication Failures"
Too many authentication failuresReceived disconnectPermission denied (publickey)This error usually isn't a wrong password — it's your SSH client offering too many keys before the right one. The server cuts you off after a few tries. Here's the fix.
Why it happens
If your SSH agent holds several keys, the client tries each one in turn. The server limits authentication attempts (often 5-6), so it disconnects before reaching the correct key — even though you have it.
Fix: offer only the right key
Tell SSH to use one specific key and not try the others:
ssh -o IdentitiesOnly=yes -i ~/.ssh/the_right_key user@serverMake it permanent
Add a host entry in ~/.ssh/config so it always uses the correct key:
Host myserver
HostName server-ip
User myuser
IdentityFile ~/.ssh/the_right_key
IdentitiesOnly yesIf you genuinely have the wrong/no key, use your provider's VNC/serial console to add your public key to ~/.ssh/authorized_keys — see our guide on SSH connection issues.
Too many keys offered, not a wrong password. Use IdentitiesOnly=yes with the right key, and set it in ~/.ssh/config.
A VDS with console access
Our VDS plans include VNC console access, so a key mix-up never locks you out — protected NVMe in Frankfurt.
Frequently asked questions
What causes "Too many authentication failures" in SSH?
Your SSH client is offering multiple keys from your agent, and the server hits its attempt limit before reaching the correct one. It disconnects even though you have a valid key.
How do I fix it?
Force SSH to use only the right key with -o IdentitiesOnly=yes -i ~/.ssh/yourkey, and add a Host entry in ~/.ssh/config with IdentityFile and IdentitiesOnly yes so it's permanent.
Is this the same as a wrong password?
No. It's usually about too many keys being tried, not a bad password. The fix is to limit which key SSH offers, not to change your password.
Related articles
Fix SSH "Connection refused" / "Connection timed out"
SSH "connection refused" vs "timed out" — what each means and the exact steps to fix them.
Read fix Linux & VPSFix "Permission denied" on Linux (chmod & chown Explained)
"Permission denied" on a script or file? Understand chmod/chown and fix it the right way.
Read fix Linux & VPSHow to Check CPU, RAM & Disk Usage on a Linux Server
The essential commands to check CPU, RAM and disk on Linux — and find what's eating them.
Read fix
