This guide explains how to import a subscription into Clash and troubleshoot common issues after importing, such as no internet access, an unchanged IP address, DNS leaks, or websites still failing to load in your browser. It’s intended for users who have just received a free-node subscription link or a VPN provider subscription link. Follow the steps below to import it and perform basic troubleshooting.
1. Basic steps for importing a subscription into Clash
There are several Clash clients, including Clash Verge, Clash Meta, and older versions of Clash for Windows. The interface labels may differ slightly, but the process is generally the same: import the subscription, select a node or policy group, and then enable the system proxy.
- Copy your subscription link. Our free nodes page also provides subscription URLs that work with Clash. Copy the entire link, making sure there are no extra spaces.
- Open the Clash client and go to the “Profiles / Config / Subscriptions” page.
- Click “New / Add / Import from URL,” then paste the subscription link.
- Enter a name, such as “freevpn-x” or “Backup Subscription,” then click Download, Save, or Update.
- Return to the “Proxies” page and select a node, or choose an available node in a policy group such as “Auto Select” or “Failover.”
- Go to “General” and enable System Proxy. To proxy all traffic, select Global. For regular rule-based routing, select Rule.
If the configuration fails to download, the client itself is usually not the problem. The subscription link may be inaccessible or expired, your network may be blocking it, or you may have missed a character when copying it. Try pasting the link into a browser to see if it opens. If you see configuration text or a download starts, the link is accessible.
2. How importing a subscription relates to your IP address and DNS
Importing a subscription into Clash only adds node information to the client. It does not mean your traffic is already going through the proxy. Your browser may show the proxy node’s exit IP only after you enable the system proxy and select the right mode.
To check whether your IP address has changed, visit a commonly used IP-checking website. If it hasn’t changed, first check three things: whether the client is running, whether the system proxy is enabled, and whether your browser is using a separate proxy extension. Many users have SwitchyOmega, a browser VPN extension, or security software with proxy settings installed, which can prevent the browser from routing traffic through Clash.
DNS can also affect your browsing experience. DNS resolves domain names to IP addresses. If DNS is being tampered with, you may find that a website won’t load even though the node is connected. If you use Clash’s enhanced mode or built-in DNS feature, the default settings are usually fine. Avoid using multiple DNS tools at the same time. For basic use, first confirm that Rule mode is working before changing DNS settings.
3. Common browser-related issues
- Browser cache: Previous failed attempts may be cached. Try testing in a private window.
- Proxy extension conflicts: Disable proxy, VPN, and accelerator extensions in your browser, and use only the Clash system proxy.
- Security software blocking traffic: Some antivirus programs or firewalls may block the local proxy port. Temporarily disable them to test.
- System proxy not taking effect: In Windows, check “Settings – Network & Internet – Proxy.” In macOS, check the proxy settings under the network’s advanced options.
If a node won’t connect, try another node in the same subscription instead of repeatedly reinstalling the client. Free nodes can be affected by user load and connection status, so occasional outages are normal. We recommend keeping 2–3 subscription sources and updating your configurations regularly.
4. Quick checklist for connection issues
If Clash still doesn’t work after you import a subscription, troubleshoot in this order: click “Update Subscription,” try another node, confirm that the mode is set to Rule or Global, check that your system clock is accurate, close other proxy software, restart Clash, and finally restart your computer and router. If the log shows “timeout,” the node is probably unreachable. If it shows “unauthorized” or “403,” the subscription may have expired or there may be an issue with link permissions.
In short, importing a subscription into Clash comes down to four things: “a working link, a successful configuration, a selected node, and the system proxy enabled.” Whether your IP address changes depends on whether your traffic is going through the proxy. DNS and browser settings can also affect whether websites load properly. Follow the steps in this guide, and most users should be able to import a subscription and troubleshoot basic issues.