This article explains how to import nodes into sing-box, including importing a subscription link, adding an individual node manually, connecting after import, and troubleshooting when the connection succeeds but websites won’t load, your IP stays the same, DNS leaks occur, or your browser behaves unexpectedly. It’s intended for everyday users who have just installed a sing-box client and aren’t sure what to do with a free node or subscription URL.
1. What to prepare before importing
sing-box is a proxy core. Most users run it through a graphical client, such as an app that supports the sing-box core on Windows, macOS, Android, or iOS. Button names vary slightly between clients, but the process is generally the same: import a node or subscription, choose a routing mode, and then start the connection.
- Get a working node link. Common formats include VLESS, VMess, Trojan, and Shadowsocks.
- If you’re using a subscription, it’s usually a link starting with http or https.
- Make sure your system clock is correct. A significant time difference can cause TLS connection failures.
- You can use the free nodes on this site for testing, but free nodes may stop working, so it’s a good idea to have a few backups.
2. How to import a subscription link into sing-box
If you have a subscription URL, importing it as a subscription is usually the best option, since it makes updating nodes easier later. The general steps are:
- Open the sing-box client and go to the “Configuration,” “Subscriptions,” or “Profiles” page.
- Click “Add Subscription,” “New Profile,” or “Import from URL.”
- Paste in the subscription link. You can name it “Free Nodes” or choose a name of your own.
- Click Save, Download, or Update Subscription, then wait for the client to load the node list.
- Return to the node page, select a node, and click Start, Connect, or Enable VPN.
If the list is empty after import, first check that you copied the entire link, especially any parameters at the end. Then try opening the subscription link in a browser. If it can’t be reached, the subscription source may be unavailable or blocked by your network.
3. How to import an individual node link
If you only have a link starting with vless://, trojan://, or ss://, use “Import from Clipboard” or a similar option. Copy the complete node link, then open the client and import it. Some clients also support importing via QR code, which is convenient on mobile.
After importing, check that the node details have been recognized correctly, including the server address, port, protocol, transport, and TLS settings. If the client reports a format error, common causes include line breaks in the link, extra spaces, or an incomplete QR code scan. Copying the link again usually fixes the problem.
4. How IP, DNS, and your browser environment are related
Many people assume that seeing “Connected” in sing-box means everything is working, but you also need to check whether traffic is actually going through the proxy. After connecting, open an IP lookup site and see whether your public IP has changed. If it still shows your local ISP, you may have selected the wrong routing mode.
Global mode sends most traffic through the proxy and is useful for testing. Rule mode routes traffic according to rules, so domestic websites may still connect directly. That’s normal. If websites won’t load but messaging apps work, check your DNS settings. Enable remote DNS or an anti-leak option in the client to prevent your local network from handling DNS lookups.
Your browser environment can also affect the results. Browsers such as Chrome and Edge may have Secure DNS enabled, use a proxy extension, or rely on an old cache, making tests inaccurate. To troubleshoot, try an incognito window, disable other proxy extensions, and clear the DNS cache before testing again.
5. Quick checklist for connection issues
- Node times out: Try another node; free nodes often stop working.
- Connected, but websites won’t load: Switch to Global mode and check your DNS settings.
- IP hasn’t changed: Make sure system VPN permission is enabled and your browser isn’t using another proxy.
- Subscription update fails: Check the subscription link, network connection, and client version.
- Some websites won’t load: Try another node or switch rule sets.
In short, importing nodes into sing-box is straightforward: import subscriptions using a URL, and import individual nodes from the clipboard or by scanning a QR code. The most common issues are related to routing, DNS, and the browser environment. If you’re new to sing-box, start by testing in Global mode, then switch back to Rule mode. This makes it easier to pinpoint problems.