> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.runpod.io/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# SSH password setup & migration tools

> Simple tools for migrating data between Runpod instances

## 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).

<Note>
  Check the repository for additional features, updates, and documentation: [github.com/justinwlin/Runpod-SSH-Password](https://github.com/justinwlin/Runpod-SSH-Password)
</Note>

## 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

   <Warning>
     **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.
   </Warning>

3. **Linux-based template**: Works on Ubuntu/Debian images (most Runpod templates)

## Quick migration workflow

<Steps>
  <Step title="Set up destination Pod">
    On your **destination Pod** (where you're migrating to):

    ```bash theme={"theme":{"light":"github-light","dark":"github-dark"}}
    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.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Transfer source Pod">
    On your **source Pod** (where your files currently are):

    ```bash theme={"theme":{"light":"github-light","dark":"github-dark"}}
    wget https://raw.githubusercontent.com/justinwlin/Runpod-SSH-Password/refs/heads/main/SCPMigration -O scp_migration.py && python3 scp_migration.py
    ```
  </Step>

  <Step title="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)
    ```
  </Step>

  <Step title="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
  </Step>
</Steps>

## 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

## Related resources

* [Managing Pods](/pods/manage-pods)
* [Pod storage overview](/pods/storage/types)
* [Network volumes](/storage/network-volumes)