Logging in to AWS CLI can be simple. Just follow these steps.
What is AWS CLI?
AWS CLI stands for Amazon Web Services Command Line Interface. It is a tool. It helps you manage your AWS services. You can use it on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
What are Access Keys?
Access keys are like a username and password. They help you log in to AWS CLI. They consist of two parts:
- Access Key ID
- Secret Access Key
Step-by-Step Guide to Login to AWS CLI Using Access Key
Follow these steps to log in to AWS CLI:
Step 1: Install Aws Cli
First, you need to install AWS CLI. You can download it from the AWS CLI website. Follow the instructions for your operating system.
Step 2: Open Command Prompt Or Terminal
Next, open Command Prompt if you are using Windows. If you are using macOS or Linux, open Terminal.
Step 3: Configure Aws Cli
Now, you need to configure AWS CLI. Type the following command:
aws configure
You will be asked to enter your Access Key ID and Secret Access Key. You will also need to enter your region and output format.
Example:
aws configure
AWS Access Key ID [None]: YOUR_ACCESS_KEY_ID
AWS Secret Access Key [None]: YOUR_SECRET_ACCESS_KEY
Default region name [None]: us-west-2
Default output format [None]: json
Step 4: Verify Configuration
To verify that AWS CLI is configured correctly, type:
aws sts get-caller-identity
If everything is correct, you will see information about your AWS account.
Common Issues and Solutions
Sometimes, you might face issues while logging in to AWS CLI. Here are some common problems and their solutions:
Invalid Access Key Id Or Secret Access Key
If you see this error, check your access keys. Make sure they are correct. You can find them in the IAM Console.
Permission Denied
This error means you do not have the right permissions. Contact your AWS administrator. They can give you the necessary permissions.
Network Issues
If you face network issues, check your internet connection. Make sure it is stable.

Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Aws Cli?
AWS CLI is a command-line tool for managing AWS services.
How Do I Install Aws Cli?
Download and run the installer from the AWS website.
What Is An Aws Access Key?
An AWS Access Key consists of an Access Key ID and Secret Access Key.
Where Can I Find My Access Key?
Find your Access Key in the AWS Management Console under IAM.
Conclusion
Logging in to AWS CLI using access keys is simple. Follow the steps in this guide. If you face issues, refer to the common problems section. With practice, you will become comfortable with AWS CLI.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you:
- Keep your access keys safe. Do not share them with others.
- Use a password manager to store your access keys.
- Regularly rotate your access keys. This improves security.
- Learn basic AWS CLI commands. This will help you manage your AWS services better.

Useful AWS CLI Commands
Here are some useful AWS CLI commands:
Command | Description |
---|---|
aws s3 ls |
List S3 buckets |
aws ec2 describe-instances |
List EC2 instances |
aws iam list-users |
List IAM users |
aws lambda list-functions |
List Lambda functions |
Resources
Here are some useful resources to learn more about AWS CLI: