SSH into your destination: ssh -vv -X If you see a line near the end that says “_debug1: Remote: No xauth program; cannot forward with spoofing._“, you need to install xauth and reconnect. In Debian, run: apt-get install xbase-clients Next, ensure that you’re getting a DISPLAY variable through: echo $DISPLAY If that command outputs just a blank line, X forwarding is probably being denied by the server. Edit your sshd\_config (/etc/ssh/sshd\_config on Debian) and change/add the line: X11Forwarding yes If you change this, you’ll need to restart your SSH server: /etc/init.d/ssh restart Once your DISPLAY is being passed correctly, some programs may run but act oddly (”Gdk-error: […] BadAtom”, etc.) SSH uses “SECURITY” extensions by default, and some programs don’t work correctly with them. Try: ssh -Y Note that this command may expose your local machine to compromise if someone malicious is in control of the host you’re connecting to.