How do I open the Serial console or VNC Console for my Smart VPS?

The console is a screen and keyboard for your VPS, in your browser. It works even when networking doesn't, so it's your way back in after a firewall or SSH mistake.

Serial console or VNC Console?

We strongly suggest the Serial console. It's a text terminal (xterm.js) that uses your computer's own clipboard, so cut, copy and paste work with your usual shortcuts and menus, it's more responsive, and it follows the size of your window.

That's why it's the button on the main toolbar, while VNC is tucked away in the More menu.

VNC Console opens in a small pop-up window with a toolbar on the left edge. It has a Send Ctrl-Alt-Del button and keys like Escape and Tab, but pasting goes through its separate Clipboard panel, and it's slower. Keep it for the rare case where the Serial console can't do the job, such as a server that draws a graphical screen.

On a typical Linux template, both show the same text screen.

Steps

You'll need the root password for the VPS, from the Password row on the Overview page. The console shows a login prompt like a physical monitor would, and it asks for the VPS login, not your portal login. Allow pop-ups from noc.versaweb.com, because both consoles open in a new tab or window.

Log in to the portal at https://noc.versaweb.com.
Click Services, then Smart VPS Servers, then click your VPS. You land on the Overview tab.
Click Serial console, the button next to Reboot at the top right of the server details. (If you really need VNC, click More, the three dots, then VNC Console.)
A new tab (Serial console) or a small window (VNC Console) opens in a second or two. The Serial console tab may be joined by a second copy of the portal page; you can close that one.
The screen can look stuck on "starting serial terminal on interface serial0". That's normal. Click inside the black area, then press Enter once to wake the login prompt.
Log in as root with the password from the Overview page.

Use the console to fix a broken firewall rule, a bad network setting, or an SSH configuration mistake. It's also the place to watch a boot or a rebuild. Nothing you type there crosses the public internet to your VPS, so it works even when your firewall is being stubborn.

How to check it worked

You see a prompt ending in login: and can log in.

Closing the console

Close the tab or window when you're done. That doesn't affect your VPS. It also doesn't log you out of the VPS, so type exit first if you want to leave the session closed.

If it didn't work

Nothing opens. Your browser probably blocked the pop-up. Allow pop-ups for noc.versaweb.com and click the button again.
A black screen with no prompt. Click inside the screen and press Enter. In the VNC Console, click inside the black area first so it takes keyboard focus.
The VPS may be off. The console needs a running VPS. Check the Status on the Overview page and click Startup if it says OFF. See How do I reboot, shut down or power on my Smart VPS?.
The console never connects. The consoles load from a different address on port 8006. A strict office or school network may block it, so try from another network.
Still no luck? Open a ticket under Technical Support with your IP address and what the screen shows.