> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.pictor.network/docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.pictor.network/docs/services/gpu-renting/managing-instances.md).

# Managing Instances

Learn how to manage running instances - stop/start, extend time, disable/enable auto-renew, manage SSH keys, and delete instances on Pictor

The Instances tab (on the <https://app.pictor.network/gpu-renting> page) is your central hub for managing rented instances. From here you can:

* View instance status and information
* Stop/start instances
* Extend rental time
* Enable/disable auto-renew
* Manage SSH keys (add or remove SSH keys from the instance)
* Delete instances

## Stop/Start Instances

### **Stop Instance**

You can temporarily stop an instance at any time to pause the usage time.

<figure><img src="https://1913276630-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FwPjKMG1lirj7mnKwlGT5%2Fuploads%2FK52WOre3Ot4JQYADToa8%2FPictor%20GPU%20Renting_Manage_Stop%20Instance.png?alt=media&amp;token=da058fd6-ce0d-45ee-8101-9def38869a2b" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

To stop your instance,&#x20;

* Click the <mark style="color:yellow;">`Stop Instance`</mark> button.
* A confirmation window will appear, indicating that usage time will stop.
* Click <mark style="color:yellow;">`Stop Instance`</mark> to confirm.

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Important Note**:&#x20;

* When an instance is stopped, it stops the instance usage time, but storage fees will continue to apply until the instance is completely deleted.&#x20;
* The instance IP address may change when you restart a stopped instance.&#x20;
  {% endhint %}

### Start Instance

You can start the stopped instances at any time to continue the usage time.

<figure><img src="https://1913276630-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FwPjKMG1lirj7mnKwlGT5%2Fuploads%2ForFZ4DJh8YJJmw2ALYwu%2FPictor%20GPU%20Renting_Manage_Start%20Instance.png?alt=media&amp;token=20945375-0357-4a2e-8c64-180d15631bcd" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

To start your instance,&#x20;

* Click the <mark style="color:yellow;">`Start Instance`</mark> button.
* A confirmation window will appear, indicating that usage time will continue.
* Click <mark style="color:yellow;">`Start Instance`</mark> to confirm.

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Important Note**:&#x20;

1. Starting a stopped instance will resume charging for the instance's usage time.
2. The instance IP address may change when you restart a stopped instance. However, your data and any tasks that have been running on the instance will remain unaffected.

* Please click the **Connect Instance** button again to get the new instance connection info.
  {% endhint %}

## Extend Time

You can easily extend your instance’s rental time to continue your work without interruption.

<figure><img src="https://1913276630-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FwPjKMG1lirj7mnKwlGT5%2Fuploads%2F2uHf1cfHWqdCDBHmZEjp%2FPictor%20GPU%20Renting_Manage_Extend%20Time.png?alt=media&amp;token=805f425c-3827-44f7-b7ca-12b0374161ff" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

To extend,&#x20;

* Click the <mark style="color:yellow;">`Extend Time`</mark> button.
* A window will appear, allowing you to enter the number of hours to add.
* Enter the number of hours you want to extend and click <mark style="color:yellow;">`Extend Time`</mark> to confirm.

## Enable/Disable Auto-renew

### Enable Auto-renew

The auto-renewal feature ensures your instance doesn't get interrupted, which is useful for long-term tasks.

<figure><img src="https://1913276630-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FwPjKMG1lirj7mnKwlGT5%2Fuploads%2FzHc77OCPKx7V1ZcjXDBm%2FPictor%20GPU%20Renting_Manage_Enable%20Auto%20Renew.png?alt=media&amp;token=03ae18e6-216b-4b44-8821-a46a0774d479" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

To enable auto-renew:

* Click the <mark style="color:yellow;">`Enable Auto Renew`</mark> button.
* A window will appear, showing the current status (Disabled).
* Click <mark style="color:yellow;">`Enable Auto Renew`</mark> button to confirm.

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Important Note**:&#x20;

* When enabled, your instance will automatically renew when the current rental period expires, but this will only occur if you have sufficient credits.
* The default duration for auto-renewal is set to <mark style="color:yellow;">**`1 hour`**</mark>.
  {% endhint %}

### Disable Auto-renew

<figure><img src="https://1913276630-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FwPjKMG1lirj7mnKwlGT5%2Fuploads%2FT96grcnj6c0mLMlmLQkz%2FPictor%20GPU%20Renting_Manage_Disable%20Auto%20Renew.png?alt=media&amp;token=85f3b66f-965f-48ae-bc5e-27ecebddefe8" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

To disable auto-renew:

* Click the <mark style="color:yellow;">`Disable Auto Renew`</mark> button.
* A window will appear, showing the current status (Enabled).
* Click <mark style="color:yellow;">`Disable Auto Renew`</mark> button to confirm.

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Important Note**:&#x20;

When disabled, your instance will automatically be terminated (fully deleted) when the current rental period expires.
{% endhint %}

## Manage SSH Keys

If you want to add SSH keys to a running instance for multiple private access, you can add them here.\
Make sure the SSH key has already been [added on the Manage SSH Keys page](https://docs.pictor.network/docs/services/gpu-renting/connection-methods/ssh#add-ssh-key-to-pictor-account) before attaching it to a running instance.

<figure><img src="https://1913276630-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FwPjKMG1lirj7mnKwlGT5%2Fuploads%2FI3Fk62bgYtJkSH9PiuwA%2FPictor%20GPU%20Renting_Manage_Manage%20SSH%20Keys.png?alt=media&amp;token=e010ddf2-6c51-41a8-bf49-6d6830d8345e" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

To add SSH keys:

* Click the <mark style="color:yellow;">`Manage SSH Keys`</mark> button.
* A window will appear, allowing you to choose the keys to be added
* Click <mark style="color:yellow;">`Add Keys`</mark> button to confirm.

## Delete Instance

When you no longer need an instance and want to stop all related charges, you can delete it completely.

<figure><img src="https://1913276630-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FwPjKMG1lirj7mnKwlGT5%2Fuploads%2F6HMbcuTJTbo7Hi9OKFzk%2FPictor%20GPU%20Renting_Manage_Delete%20Instance.png?alt=media&amp;token=1e422c06-c889-4795-b212-59e2138b4231" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* Click the <mark style="color:yellow;">`Delete Instance`</mark> button.
* A confirmation window will appear, warning that this action is permanent.
* Click <mark style="color:yellow;">`Delete Instance`</mark> to permanently remove the instance and all its stored data.

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Important Note**:&#x20;

This action will permanently delete the instance and all its stored data. There is no way to recover the data after deletion.
{% endhint %}