Troubleshooting

Quick fixes for the most common Cleat issues. If something here doesn't match what you're seeing, open an issue with the relevant log file from your settings directory.

"Callback returned error" when connecting with a key

Your key is in OpenSSH format. Convert it to PEM:

bash ssh-keygen -p -m PEM -f ~/.ssh/id_rsa

The full story is in Key formats.

Host key changed (mismatch)

Cleat reads and writes the OpenSSH known_hosts file at ~/.ssh/known_hosts. In the current PoC build, a mismatch is logged but not blocked — watch View → Activity Log for HOST KEY MISMATCH lines.

To recover after a legitimate host key change (server reinstalled, new key deployed), remove the offending entry by hand and reconnect:

```bash

Remove all entries for the host (one or both forms may be present):

ssh-keygen -R hostname.example.com ssh-keygen -R '[hostname.example.com]:2222' # if the host uses a non-default port ```

Verify the new fingerprint with the server admin before reconnecting if you have any doubt about the cause.

Connection hangs during handshake or authentication

• Check the server is reachable: nc -zv host 22
• Some firewalls drop SSH on non-default ports — try port 22 or another known-open port
• Corporate proxies sometimes need a jump host configured

Where to find logs

Platform	Path
macOS	~/Library/Application Support/Cleat/logs/
Linux	~/.config/cleat/logs/
Windows	%APPDATA%\Cleat\logs\

Logs are rotated daily; the current session is in cleat.log. Attach the relevant lines when filing a bug.