---
name: ssh-keys-remove-ssh-key
title: Removing an SSH key
description: When an SSH key that is stored on the IBM Cloud® console is obsolete or is no longer needed, you can remove the key. Remove obsolete SSH keys as soon as possible to make sure that enough space is available for more valid keys.
last-updated: 2024-06-06
---

> ## Documentation Index
> The table of contents for this documentation set is at https://cloud.ibm.com/docs/ssh-keys?format=markdown
> The index for all IBM Cloud docs is at: https://cloud.ibm.com/docs/llms.txt
> Use these files to discover more information as needed.

# Removing an SSH key
{: #removing-an-ssh-key}

When an SSH key that is stored on the IBM Cloud® console is obsolete or is no longer needed, you can remove the key. Remove obsolete SSH keys as soon as possible to make sure that enough space is available for more valid keys.
{: shortdesc}

## Before you begin
{: #before-you-begin-removing-ssh-key}

* Go to the device menu and make sure that you have the correct account permissions to complete the tasks.

* Make sure that you have any necessary account permissions and device access. Only the account owner, or a user with the **Manage users** Classic infrastructure permission, can adjust the permissions.

For more information about permissions, see [Classic infrastructure permissions](https://cloud.ibm.com/docs/virtual-servers?topic=virtual-servers-mngclassicinfra&format=markdown#how-classic-infra-permissions-work) and [Managing device access](https://cloud.ibm.com/docs/virtual-servers?topic=virtual-servers-managing-device-access&format=markdown).

## Removing an SSH key
{: #removing-ssh-key}

1. From the **Devices** menu, select **Manage > SSH keys**.
2. Click the **Remove** icon next to the SSH key that you want to remove.
3. Click **Yes** to confirm.

## Next steps
{: #next-steps-removing-ssh-key}

After you remove an SSH key, it is immediately removed from the list. The key can no longer be used when you provision a new device or when you perform an OS reload on an existing device. If the key is removed in error or needs to be added back to the IBM Cloud console, see [Adding an SSH key](https://cloud.ibm.com/docs/ssh-keys?topic=ssh-keys-adding-an-ssh-key&format=markdown).