Software⏱️ 3 min read📅 2026-06-11

How to Fix: IntelliJ IDEA: SSH Connection error "Unable to reach settlement" while same connection is possible in Filezilla

IntelliJ IDEA SSH connection error unable to reach settlement fix.

Quick Answer: Check the SSH server's supported key exchange algorithms and update IntelliJ IDEA's settings accordingly.

The error 'Unable to reach a settlement' when clicking 'Test Connection' in IntelliJ IDEA's SSH connection dialog can be frustrating, especially when the same connection is possible using FileZilla. This issue occurs due to differences in how IntelliJ IDEA and FileZilla handle SSH key exchange algorithms.

In this guide, we will walk you through the troubleshooting steps to resolve this error and ensure a successful SSH connection.

🔍 Why This Happens

  • The primary cause of this error is that IntelliJ IDEA requires specific SSH key exchange algorithms to be supported by the server. The error message indicates that the server does not support the required algorithms, such as diffie-hellman-group1-sha1 and curve25519-sha256.
  • An alternative reason for this issue could be that there are issues with the SSH connection settings or the private key used in IntelliJ IDEA.

🔧 Proven Troubleshooting Steps

Update IntelliJ IDEA's SSH Connection Settings

  1. Step 1: Open the 'Settings' dialog in IntelliJ IDEA by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Alt + S (Windows/Linux) or Cmd + Shift + Alt + S (Mac).
  2. Step 2: In the 'Settings' dialog, navigate to 'Version Control' > 'SSH' and select the project you want to configure.
  3. Step 3: Under 'Connection Settings', ensure that the 'Key exchange algorithms' are set to a compatible list. You can add or remove algorithms as needed.
  4. Step 4: Save your changes and try connecting to the server again using IntelliJ IDEA's SSH connection dialog.

Verify Private Key and Connection Settings

  1. Step 1: Check that the private key used in IntelliJ IDEA is correct and matches the one used on the server. You can do this by comparing the key contents or using a tool like 'ssh-keygen' to generate a new key.
  2. Step 2: Verify that the SSH connection settings are correct, including the host name, port number, username, and password (if applicable).
  3. Step 3: Try connecting to the server using FileZilla to confirm that the connection is working correctly. If you're still experiencing issues with IntelliJ IDEA, proceed with updating the connection settings.

🎯 Final Words

By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the 'Unable to reach a settlement' error in IntelliJ IDEA's SSH connection dialog and establish a successful connection to your server.

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