access Local ESXi Shell (Console)

1.At the main direct console screen, press Alt-F1 to open a virtual console window to the host.
2.Provide credentials when prompted.

When you type the password, characters are not displayed on the console.
3.To log out, type exit in the shell.
4.To return to the direct console, press Alt-F2.

References:
. ESXi Shell Access
. Using ESXi Shell in ESXi 5.x, 6.x and 7.x (2004746)