This article answers the question “How do I configure a WS TLS node?” If you have a V2Ray, VLESS, or VMess WebSocket + TLS node link or subscription, follow the steps below to import it into a client, set the key parameters, and troubleshoot connection issues involving IP, DNS, or your browser environment.
1. Understand what information a WS TLS node requires
WS TLS is not a standalone protocol. It uses WebSocket transport and TLS encryption with a common proxy protocol. You’ll typically see these fields: server address, port, UUID or user ID, transport (ws), TLS toggle, SNI, Host, and Path. In most cases, importing a subscription link fills these in automatically, so it’s best not to change them manually.
- Address: May be a domain name or an IP address. Prefer the original address provided for the node.
- Port: Often 443, but use the port specified in the node details.
- Path: Looks like /xxx. Match the capitalization and slashes exactly.
- Host/SNI: Usually a domain name. An incorrect value can cause the TLS handshake to fail.
2. Import a WS TLS node into a common client
If you use a client such as Clash Verge, v2rayN, v2rayNG, NekoBox, or sing-box, importing a subscription is recommended. This site also provides free nodes for connectivity testing, but free nodes can stop working at any time. If you run into issues, update the subscription first.
- Copy the subscription link or an individual vmess/vless link.
- Open the client and look for “Subscriptions,” “Profiles,” or “Import from clipboard.”
- Paste the link and update it, then wait for the node list to appear.
- Select a WS TLS node and click Connect.
- Open a test page in your browser to confirm that the proxy is working.
When adding a node manually, make sure the transport is set to WebSocket/ws, TLS is enabled, and the Path, Host, and SNI exactly match the node details. A VLESS node may also require flow to be left blank or set to a specific value; follow the node’s instructions.
3. How WS TLS relates to IP, DNS, and your browser environment
Many people assume that a correctly configured node is guaranteed to work, but your local network environment can also affect the connection. First, IP: if your current network has trouble reaching certain data centers or ports, try switching to Wi-Fi, using a mobile hotspot, or testing a different node. Next, DNS: if the node address is a domain name, a DNS resolution error can prevent the connection. We recommend using a reliable DNS server in your client or system and enabling the client’s DNS leak protection option.
Your browser environment can also lead to misleading results. For example, multiple proxy extensions, a system proxy that isn’t being used, or privacy extensions blocking the test page can make it seem like “the proxy isn’t working.” To troubleshoot, first disable your browser’s proxy extensions and use only the client’s system proxy or TUN mode. Then test in a private window to rule out caching issues.
4. Quick checklist for troubleshooting connection failures
- Update the subscription: Free nodes often stop working, so click “Update subscription” first.
- Check the system time: An incorrect system time can cause TLS certificate verification to fail.
- Check Host, SNI, and Path: These are the WS TLS settings most likely to be entered incorrectly.
- Switch modes: In Clash, test by switching between rule, global, and direct modes.
- Check the logs: Messages such as handshake, certificate, or timeout can point to TLS, certificate, or network timeout issues, respectively.
If the logs show a timeout, the node is probably unreachable or blocked by your current network. If they show a certificate error, check the system time, SNI, and TLS settings first. If the proxy only fails in your browser, check the system proxy, browser extensions, and DNS. Following these steps in order will usually help you pinpoint WS TLS node configuration issues.