diff --git a/INSTALL.md b/INSTALL.md
index a0f4217..9c4c795 100644
--- a/INSTALL.md
+++ b/INSTALL.md
@@ -11,7 +11,25 @@ Open Agent is the orchestrator/UI backend. **It does not run model inference**;
 > 4. **Library git repo URL** (or confirm using the template)
 > 5. **Dashboard password** to set for authentication (or offer to generate one)
 >
+> **SSH Key Setup**: Most servers require SSH key authentication. If the user doesn't have one:
+> 1. Generate a key (without passphrase for easier automation):
+>    ```bash
+>    ssh-keygen -t ed25519 -f ~/.ssh/id_ed25519 -N ""
+>    ```
+> 2. Display the public key for them to copy:
+>    ```bash
+>    cat ~/.ssh/id_ed25519.pub
+>    ```
+> 3. They need to add this key to their server. Options:
+>    - **Hosting provider dashboard**: Most providers (Hetzner, DigitalOcean, Vultr, etc.) have an "SSH Keys" section in their web console
+>    - **Existing access**: If they can already log in: `ssh-copy-id root@<server-ip>`
+>
 > Verify you have SSH access before proceeding: `ssh root@<server-ip> "hostname"`
+>
+> If connection fails, common causes:
+> - The SSH key wasn't added to the server (check hosting provider's dashboard)
+> - The key has a passphrase (agent tools may not handle passphrase prompts)
+> - Firewall blocking port 22 (check hosting provider's firewall settings)
 
 ---
 
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 18282e6..93fd511 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -23,6 +23,10 @@
   <img src="screenshots/hero.webp" alt="Open Agent Dashboard" width="100%" />
 </p>
 
+<p align="center">
+  <strong>Ready to deploy?</strong> Ask your local AI agent to check out <a href="./INSTALL.md">INSTALL.md</a> it'll guide you through everything.
+</p>
+
 ---
 
 ## Vision