What are these tools?

These are simple bash and Python scripts that solve a critical problem: migrating data between Runpod instances when you need to move Pods (e.g., when your Pod gets stuck with zero GPUs or you need to switch to a different instance).
Check the repository for additional features, updates, and documentation: github.com/justinwlin/Runpod-SSH-Password

The problem it solves

When Runpod users encounter issues like:
  • Pod stuck with zero GPUs allocated.
  • Need to migrate to a different GPU type.
  • Want to transfer data between Pods.
  • Need to backup data before terminating a Pod.
This tool provides a simple solution for transferring your files to a new Pod.

Requirements

Before using these tools, make sure you have:
  1. Terminal access on your Runpod instances:
    • Web Terminal in Runpod’s interface, or
    • Terminal in Jupyter Notebook/Lab
  2. Port 22 exposed on destination Pod / source Pod:
    • Go to: Pod > Edit Pod > TCP Ports
    • Add port 22 if not present
    Important: Changing TCP ports will restart your Pod and erase all data outside of /workspace. Make sure all important files are stored in /workspace (the default persistent directory) before making port changes.
  3. Linux-based template: Works on Ubuntu/Debian images (most Runpod templates)

Quick migration workflow

1

Set up destination Pod

On your destination Pod (where you’re migrating to):
wget https://raw.githubusercontent.com/justinwlin/Runpod-SSH-Password/main/passwordrunpod.sh && chmod +x passwordrunpod.sh && ./passwordrunpod.sh
The script will prompt you to set a password. After setup, it displays your connection details:
You can now connect using: ssh root@213.173.105.86 -p 17958
Password: [the password you just set]
Save these details - you’ll need them in Step 4.
2

Transfer source Pod

On your source Pod (where your files currently are):
wget https://raw.githubusercontent.com/justinwlin/Runpod-SSH-Password/refs/heads/main/SCPMigration -O scp_migration.py && python3 scp_migration.py
3

Navigate and select files

The tool provides an interactive interface:Navigation Mode - Browse directories:
Current directory: /workspace

Navigate by entering a number:
 1. models/
 2. data/
 3. ComfyUI/
 
Navigate to: 1    (enters models folder)
Navigate to: s    (switch to selection mode)
Selection Mode - Choose what to transfer:
Select item: 1    (selects folder/file)
4

Enter connection and transfer

Enter the SSH details from Step 1:
Enter SSH command: ssh root@213.173.105.86 -p 17958
Enter password: [the password you set in Step 1]
The tool will:
  • Files: Transfer directly via SCP
  • Folders: Compress to ZIP, transfer, then extract automatically

Key features

  • Interactive navigation: Browse files with simple number selection
  • Smart compression: Automatically zips folders for reliable transfer
  • Mode switching: Press s for selection, n for navigation
  • Clean transfer: Auto-extracts and cleans up on destination