This article explains how to import nodes into sing-box. It’s for users who already have free nodes, a subscription link, or a single VLESS/VMess/Trojan/SS link. Follow the steps to import, enable, and troubleshoot your connection, and learn how your IP, DNS, and browser environment can affect access after connecting.
1. First, identify what you have
sing-box is a proxy core. On phones and computers, you’ll typically use a graphical client based on sing-box. There are usually two ways to import configurations: a subscription link, such as a URL beginning with https://, or an individual node link or JSON configuration. The free nodes on this site are generally labeled with their compatible clients. Before importing, copy the entire link and make sure you don’t miss any parameters at the end.
- Subscription link: Ideal for importing multiple nodes at once and updating them later.
- Individual node: Suitable for temporary testing; nodes must be added one at a time.
- JSON configuration: For users who already have a complete configuration file.
2. Steps to import nodes into a sing-box client
- Install and open a client that supports sing-box, such as a graphical sing-box client for Windows, Android, iOS, or macOS.
- Go to the “Configuration,” “Profiles,” “Subscription,” or “Config” page. The exact name varies by client.
- For a subscription, select “Import from URL” or “Add subscription,” paste the subscription link, save it, and tap Update.
- For an individual node, select “Import from clipboard” or “Add manually,” then paste the VLESS, Trojan, SS, or other link.
- Once the import is complete, select a node from the list and set it as the active node.
- Return to the home screen and turn on the proxy. If prompted to create a VPN connection, tap Allow.
After connecting, visit an IP lookup site first to confirm that your exit IP has changed, then open the website you want to access. If the client offers “Rule mode,” “Global mode,” and “Direct mode,” beginners should start with Rule mode. If a particular site still won’t open, temporarily switch to Global mode and test again.
3. How IP, DNS, and your browser environment are related
Importing a node successfully doesn’t guarantee that you’ll be able to access a site. Three other factors matter. First, your IP: websites see your exit IP, and if the node is unavailable or restricted, pages may fail to load. Second, DNS: DNS translates domain names into IP addresses. If DNS requests still go through your local network, you may encounter DNS poisoning, incorrect results, or location mismatches. Third, your browser environment: cached data, cookies, language, time zone, and WebRTC can all cause a site to flag your activity.
Here’s what to try: refresh the IP lookup page after connecting; leave the client’s DNS setting at its default or use its built-in remote DNS; if a site won’t open in your browser, test it in a private window and, if necessary, clear that site’s cookies. Don’t run multiple VPNs, accelerators, or proxy extensions at the same time, as they can interfere with one another.
4. Troubleshooting import and connection issues
- Invalid link error: Check that you copied the entire link. Make sure the subscription URL contains no spaces or line breaks.
- Subscription update failed: Try again on another network, or check whether the subscription URL is still accessible.
- Imported successfully, but won’t connect: Try another node. Free nodes may be unavailable due to congestion or downtime.
- Connected, but webpages won’t open: Switch to Global mode, check your DNS settings, and disable browser proxy extensions.
- Some apps aren’t using the proxy: Make sure the client’s system proxy or VPN mode is enabled.
If you just want to get started quickly, import a subscription first, then test nodes one by one based on latency or availability. If something goes wrong, don’t keep reinstalling the client. Check the link, node, mode, DNS, and browser cache first; these steps usually help pinpoint the cause.