---
title: SSH Hosts & Proxying
description: Import saved SSH hosts and add extra SSH port forwards in the desktop app.
---

# SSH Hosts & Proxying

Use **Settings → Remote Instances** in the desktop app to import saved SSH hosts, connect to a remote machine, and make extra ports available through the same SSH connection.

> SSH hosts and SSH proxying are **desktop-only** features. They use the SSH client on your computer.

## Import an SSH host

OpenChamber can read hosts from your local SSH config, the same place used by commands like `ssh work-server`.

1. Open **Settings → Remote Instances**.
2. Choose a host from **Saved SSH hosts**.
3. If the host is a pattern, enter the real destination, such as `deploy@app.example.com`.
4. Save and connect.

OpenChamber creates a remote instance using that SSH command. When it reaches **ready**, the remote OpenChamber UI opens in the desktop app.

## Add extra port forwards

Each remote instance has a **Port Forwards** section. Use it when something on one side of the SSH connection needs to reach a port on the other side.

OpenChamber supports three forward types:

- **Local (-L)** — open a port on your computer that connects to something on the remote machine.
- **Remote (-R)** — open a port on the remote machine that connects back to your computer.
- **Dynamic (-D)** — open a local SOCKS proxy through the SSH connection.

For most app previews and dashboards running on the remote machine, use **Local (-L)**.

## Use the SOCKS proxy

Choose **Dynamic (-D)** when you want other tools on your computer to browse through the remote machine. OpenChamber opens a local SOCKS proxy port for that SSH connection.

After the connection is ready, copy or use the local proxy address from the forward row. Configure your browser or tool to use it as a SOCKS5 proxy.

## Keep it private

Use `127.0.0.1` or `localhost` for local bind hosts unless you intentionally want other devices on your network to reach the forwarded port.

## Related

- [Remote Instances](/remote-instances/) — connect the desktop app to OpenChamber on another machine
- [Remote access](/troubleshooting/remote-access/) — when SSH or remote access does not connect