How to Install and Configure AnyDesk on Ubuntu 22.04 via SSH

If you have only SSH access to your Ubuntu 22.04 server, you can still install and configure AnyDesk for remote desktop access. Below are step-by-step instructions to complete the setup.

Step 1: Update the System

First, update the package list to ensure all dependencies are up to date:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

Step 2: Add AnyDesk Repository and GPG Key

Since AnyDesk is not included in the default Ubuntu repositories, we need to add its official repository.

1. Import the GPG Key

wget -qO - https://keys.anydesk.com/repos/DEB-GPG-KEY | sudo apt-key add -

2. Add the AnyDesk Repository

echo "deb http://deb.anydesk.com/ all main" | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/anydesk.list

3. Update Package Lists

sudo apt update

Step 3: Install AnyDesk

Now, install AnyDesk using the following command:

sudo apt install anydesk -y

Step 4: Start and Enable AnyDesk Service

Once installed, start the AnyDesk service:

sudo systemctl start anydesk

Enable it to start automatically on system boot:

sudo systemctl enable anydesk

Check if the AnyDesk service is running:

sudo systemctl status anydesk

You should see output similar to:

● anydesk.service - AnyDesk service
   Loaded: loaded (/etc/systemd/system/anydesk.service; enabled; vendor preset: enabled)
   Active: active (running) since ...

Step 5: Get AnyDesk Address

Since you are using SSH and don’t have a GUI, retrieve the AnyDesk ID manually by running:

anydesk --get-id

This will return a 9-digit ID (e.g., 123 456 789), which you will use to connect remotely.

If you need the current status of AnyDesk, run:

anydesk --get-status

Step 6: Configure Unattended Access (Optional)

If you want to access the server without needing to accept the connection manually, set up a password:

1. Create the security config file:

sudo mkdir -p /etc/anydesk
echo "your_secure_password" | sudo tee /etc/anydesk/service.conf

2. Set proper permissions:

sudo chmod 600 /etc/anydesk/service.conf

3. Restart AnyDesk to apply changes:

sudo systemctl restart anydesk

Now you can connect to the Ubuntu server remotely using AnyDesk ID + password.

Step 7: Allow AnyDesk Through Firewall (If Enabled)

If UFW (Uncomplicated Firewall) is active, allow AnyDesk traffic:

sudo ufw allow 7070/tcp
sudo ufw reload

Verify firewall rules:

sudo ufw status

Step 8: Connect to Your Ubuntu Server Remotely

From another device (Windows, Mac, Linux, or Android):

1. Install AnyDesk from anydesk.com/download.
2. Open AnyDesk and enter your Ubuntu AnyDesk ID (from Step 5).
3. Click "Connect" and enter the password (if unattended access is enabled).

Remove AnyDesk (If Needed)

If you need to uninstall AnyDesk later:

sudo apt remove --purge anydesk -y
sudo rm -rf /etc/apt/sources.list.d/anydesk.list
sudo systemctl stop anydesk
sudo systemctl disable anydesk