# Access a container's console

From the menu select **Containers**, select the container then select **Console**.

<figure><img src="https://content.gitbook.com/content/xdTQRpMuktD2l0URtOJO/blobs/ydk0cLR2M3CnFR0zxTAr/Container-console-new.gif" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Select the command and the user you want to give access to, then click **Connect**.

{% hint style="info" %}
For Alpine Linux containers, you must select the`/bin/ash` command.
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="https://content.gitbook.com/content/xdTQRpMuktD2l0URtOJO/blobs/Wu9tG73ZOXe10tfuNov7/2.15-docker_containers_container_console_execute.png" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

If you need to define a command other than those provided, toggle the **Use custom command** option on. Once connected, you can run commands in the console the same as any other Linux system.

<figure><img src="https://content.gitbook.com/content/xdTQRpMuktD2l0URtOJO/blobs/ZisBQ0gnHCvfgASZzqNG/2.20-containers-console-connected.png" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

To disconnect from the console session, click the **Disconnect** button.


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# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.portainer.io/user/docker/containers/console.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.