ConnectBot
ConnectBot is a free, open-source Android application for connecting to remote machines through a shell and moving files between a phone and that machine.
What ConnectBot is
ConnectBot is a free, open-source Android application for connecting to remote machines through a shell and moving files between a phone and that machine. It supports SSH and Telnet, with tabs for managing multiple sessions and port forwarding for routed connections. Users can save server details in a Host List, then reopen those hosts later. On-screen controls can keep Ctrl, Esc, arrow, and other terminal keys available while typing. Reusable profiles store terminal color and font-size choices. Releases include a Google Play Services build and an OSS build that carries its cryptography provider in the APK. Network traffic travels directly between the device and selected server rather than through developer infrastructure. Usernames and passwords remain on the device, while private keys are excluded from Android backups unless backup is enabled. OSS builds have no telemetry or tracking; Google Play builds may involve Google processing technical data.
Good
- Free Android SSH client
- Supports SSH and Telnet
- Tabbed simultaneous sessions
- Port forwarding and secure tunnels
- Publicly available source code
Watch out
- Android platform only
- No free trial
- Google Play builds may involve technical-data processing
- Private-key backup requires opt-in
Who it suits
ConnectBot suits Android users who need remote shell access, file transfers, SSH or Telnet sessions, and saved host profiles. It also fits users seeking publicly auditable source code and an OSS build option.
Verdict
ConnectBot provides remote shell access, file transfer, session tabs, and connection tools at no cost. Its build choices and local credential storage give Android users control over how the app is obtained and handled.
Plans and prices
From ConnectBot's own pricing page, checked 9 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| ConnectBot | Free | Android SSH client · open source |
The facts
Each one read from ConnectBot's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Build variants
- GitHub releases provide a Google Play Services build and an OSS build that includes the cryptography provider in the APK.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Connection routing
- Network data goes directly between the device and the selected remote server and is not routed through ConnectBot developer infrastructure.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Credentials
- Remote server usernames and passwords are stored locally on the device, and developers have no access to them.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Data handling
- The privacy policy says OSS builds have no telemetry or tracking, while Google Play builds may involve Google processing technical data.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Intended users
- The project describes the app as a way to connect to remote machines and use their shell from Android.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Open source
- ConnectBot is an open-source SSH client, and its source code is available for public audit.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Private key backups
- Private keys are excluded from Android system backups by default, with an app setting to opt in to backing them up.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- ConnectBot is an Android secure shell client for using a remote machine’s shell and transferring files to and from a phone.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Saved hosts
- Users can save SSH connection details and reopen a server from the Host List.checked 9 Oct 2026
- SSH sessions
- The Google Play description says ConnectBot can manage simultaneous SSH sessions.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Support
- The project directs users with questions to the #connectbot channel on Libera.Chat.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Terminal controls
- Its guide describes keeping Ctrl, Esc, arrow, and other terminal keys visible on screen.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Tunnels
- The Google Play description says ConnectBot can create secure tunnels.checked 9 Oct 2026
The company
- Founded
- 2007checked 28 Sep 2026
Where it runs
- Terminal appearance
- Users can create reusable profiles to customize terminal colors and font size.checked 9 Oct 2026
