This article solves the problem of “how to import nodes into sing-box“: it is suitable for users who have just installed a sing-box client and received free nodes or a subscription link but do not know how to use them. You will learn how to import subscriptions, manually add nodes, and understand why your IP, DNS, and browser environment can affect access results after connecting.
1. What to prepare before importing
sing-box itself is a core program. Ordinary users usually use it through a client with a graphical interface, such as a sing-box GUI client or a proxy tool based on sing-box on Android, Windows, or macOS. Before importing nodes, please make sure you have prepared:
- Available node links, such as vless://, vmess://, trojan://, or hysteria2://.
- A subscription address, usually a link starting with http or https.
- The client has been installed and is allowed to create a VPN or local proxy.
This site organizes some free node resources, but the stability of free nodes may change, so it is recommended to test them one by one after importing and not treat any particular node as something that will remain available long-term.
2. Common steps for importing a subscription into sing-box
Different clients may have slightly different interfaces, but the process is basically the same. Taking a common GUI client as an example, you can follow these steps:
- Open the sing-box client and go to the “Configuration,” “Profiles,” or “Subscriptions” page.
- Click “Add,” “+,” or “New Profile.”
- Select “Import from URL,” “Remote Profile,” or “Subscription Link.”
- Paste the subscription address and enter an easy-to-recognize name, such as “Free Nodes – Today.”
- After saving, click “Update Subscription” and wait for the client to fetch the configuration.
- Return to the home page, select the configuration you just imported, and click start or connect.
If your client supports importing via share links, you can also copy a single node link and choose “Import from Clipboard.” This method is suitable for temporarily testing a single node, but it is not as convenient as a subscription for updates.
3. Pay attention to protocols and fields when manually importing nodes
If you do not have a subscription and only received a node link, it is best to use “scan code/import from clipboard” first. When filling it in manually, make sure the protocol, address, port, UUID, encryption method, transport method, TLS, SNI, and other fields are complete. Many connection failures are not because sing-box does not work, but because the node information is missing fields or the wrong protocol was entered.
After importing, it is recommended to first use the client’s built-in latency test or connectivity test. If the test fails, try another node; if all nodes fail, you usually need to check network permissions, the firewall, the system proxy, or DNS settings.
4. What is the relationship between IP, DNS, and the browser environment
After a successful connection, websites usually see the proxy exit IP rather than your local broadband IP. You can visit an IP lookup website to confirm whether it has changed. If the IP has not changed, the system proxy may not be enabled, VPN mode may not be turned on, or the browser may not be using the proxy.
DNS is also critical. If DNS is still being resolved by your local ISP, you may encounter inaccessible websites, abnormal redirects, or leaks of regional information. It is recommended to enable the built-in DNS/remote DNS in the client, or use the default configuration recommended by the client, and do not disable DNS splitting casually.
The browser environment includes language, time zone, cache, cookies, WebRTC, and so on. Even if the proxy IP has changed, some websites may still judge your environment based on old cookies or browser fingerprints. Therefore, when troubleshooting, you can try using an incognito window, clearing the cache, and, if necessary, disabling WebRTC leaks.
5. Quick troubleshooting for connection failures
- The subscription cannot be updated: check whether the subscription link was copied completely, then try again after switching networks.
- The node shows a timeout: switch to another node, or confirm that the local network is not restricting proxy programs.
- It connects but web pages will not open: check whether DNS and the system proxy/VPN mode are enabled.
- Some websites will not open: switch to global mode for testing, then switch back to rule mode.
In summary: the most recommended way to import nodes into sing-box is to use a subscription URL, followed by importing a single node from the clipboard. After importing, do not just look at “connected”—you should also check whether the IP has changed, whether DNS is working properly, and whether the browser is still retaining the old environment, so that you can more accurately determine whether the proxy is actually working.