diff --git a/preseed-bootstrap.sh b/preseed-bootstrap.sh
index b668763..3e3187f 100644
--- a/preseed-bootstrap.sh
+++ b/preseed-bootstrap.sh
@@ -28,6 +28,9 @@ if [ -x /usr/local/bin/kiosk-setup ]; then
 fi
 EOF
 
+# Allow root SSH login for debugging during setup
+sed -i 's/^#\?PermitRootLogin.*/PermitRootLogin yes/' /etc/ssh/sshd_config
+
 # Boot to text mode for the setup wizard
 systemctl set-default multi-user.target