> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.x402layer.cc/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Deploy a Machine

> Launch a cloud instance in minutes — pick a plan, add an SSH key, and pay per hour.

Deploying a machine takes a minute. Do it from the dashboard under **Machines → Deploy**.

## Steps

<Steps>
  <Step title="Pick a plan + OS">Choose a server plan and OS image from the [catalog](/cloud/machines/catalog).</Step>
  <Step title="Add an SSH key">Bring your own public key (BYOK) or generate a new keypair in the browser. You'll use this to SSH in.</Step>
  <Step title="Choose how to pay">Credits or x402 USDC (pick the chain). You're billed hourly.</Step>
  <Step title="Launch">Confirm and deploy. The instance provisions and becomes reachable shortly after.</Step>
</Steps>

## SSH keys

* **BYOK** — paste your existing public key; you keep the private key.
* **Generate** — create an Ed25519 keypair in the browser; download the private key immediately (it isn't stored for you).

Your public key is installed on the instance at launch so you can connect:

```bash theme={null}
ssh root@<instance-ip>
```

## After launch

* The instance IP appears in **My Instances**.
* Need a root password instead of a key? Fetch a **one-time password** (see [Manage](/cloud/machines/manage)).
* Don't need it anymore? **Destroy** it to stop billing.

<Note>Billing is hourly from launch until you destroy the instance. Destroy machines you're done with to avoid ongoing charges.</Note>