# How to use the SSH cp command

> Canonical: https://jethost.com/kb/how-to-use-the-ssh-cp-command/ · Last modified: 2026-08-20T06:50:18+00:00

Learning **how to use the SSH cp command** is one of the most essential Linux skills. With it, you can copy files and directories from one location to another directly from the terminal. It is fast, reliable, and beginner-friendly, which makes it perfect for managing files on your server. In this article, we will show you how to use the SSH cp command with clear, practical examples.

## How to use the SSH cp command

In short, `cp` copies a source file or folder to a destination you choose. To get started, connect to your account over SSH, then run the examples below to copy files safely and efficiently.

## Copy a file

First, to copy a single file, name the source and then the destination:

```
cp source.txt destination.txt
cp file.txt /home/user/backup/
```

## Copy a directory

Next, to copy a folder and everything inside it, add the `-r` (recursive) flag:

```
cp -r mydir /home/user/backup/
```

## Copy multiple files at once

Additionally, you can list several files before the destination directory to copy them all in one step:

```
cp file1.txt file2.txt file3.txt /home/user/docs/
```

## Useful cp options

Finally, a few flags make the SSH cp command safer and clearer. Use `-i` to confirm before overwriting, `-v` to see what is copied, and `-p` to preserve permissions and timestamps:

```
cp -i file.txt /home/user/backup/
cp -v file.txt /home/user/backup/
cp -p file.txt /home/user/backup/
```

Because `cp` can overwrite files without warning, the `-i` flag is a smart habit when you work with important data. You can also combine flags, for example `cp -rv`, to copy a directory while watching each file as it moves. If you need to copy files between two different servers instead of within one, use the related `scp` command, which works over the same SSH connection.

## Need more help?

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