This article addresses the question of “how to import nodes into sing-box“: including how to import subscriptions in common Android and Windows/macOS clients, the general idea behind manual import, and why issues such as unchanged IP, DNS leaks, or browsers failing to open pages can still occur after import. It is suitable for ordinary users using sing-box for the first time to follow step by step.
1. First, distinguish between node links and subscription links
sing-box itself is the core engine. Many users actually use clients with graphical interfaces, such as SFA, sing-box for Windows, NekoBox, and Karing. Before importing, first confirm which type you have obtained:
- Single node link: commonly starts with vless://, vmess://, trojan://, or ss://.
- Subscription link: usually an http or https address containing multiple nodes for convenient updates.
- JSON configuration: generally a complete sing-box configuration file; ordinary users are not advised to mix and use it casually.
The free nodes provided on this site usually come as node links or subscription addresses. When copying, be careful not to miss any characters or include extra spaces.
2. General steps for importing nodes into sing-box
- Open your sing-box client and go to a page such as “Configuration,” “Subscription,” “Profiles,” or “Profiles/Groups.”
- If it is a subscription address, choose “Add Subscription,” “Import from URL,” or “Remote Profile,” then paste the link and save it.
- If it is a single node link, choose “Import from Clipboard,” “Import from Clipboard,” or “Add by URI.”
- Click to update the subscription and wait for the client to fetch the node list; once you see the node names, select one.
- Return to the home page and turn on the VPN/proxy switch. If the system prompts for VPN permission, choose Allow.
- Open a browser and visit an IP lookup website to confirm whether the outbound IP has changed, then test your commonly used websites.
If the client prompts that the “format is not supported,” it means the client may not be able to directly recognize that type of link. You can switch to a client that supports the protocol, or use a subscription conversion tool to generate a sing-box-compatible format, but do not submit private subscriptions to untrusted websites.
3. Why IP, DNS, and the browser can still affect the result after a successful import
Many people assume that if a node can be imported, it will definitely work for internet access. In reality, it also depends on routing, DNS, and the browser environment. First, whether the IP changes depends on whether the traffic is actually going through the proxy. If only “rule mode” is enabled, domestic websites may still go through a direct connection, which is normal. To test the node, visit a foreign IP lookup site or a website that is being proxied.
Second is DNS. If DNS is still being resolved by your local ISP, you may encounter webpages failing to open, abnormal redirects, or privacy leaks. It is recommended to enable the built-in DNS, remote DNS, or anti-leak options in the client. If you are unsure, prioritize the client’s default recommended configuration and do not casually modify complex rules.
Finally, there is the browser environment. Browser cache, cookies, language, time zone, and WebRTC may all expose your original environment, causing websites to still identify you as being in your original region. When troubleshooting, you can use an incognito window for testing; if necessary, disable WebRTC leaks or switch to a clean browser profile.
4. Quick troubleshooting checklist for connection failures
- Subscription cannot be updated: check whether the link has expired, whether your network can access the subscription address, and whether it was copied completely.
- A node can be selected but cannot connect: switch to other nodes in the same subscription and make sure the system time is correct.
- The browser cannot open pages: try switching to global mode and test again; close other VPN or proxy software.
- IP has not changed: confirm that the client has started and that the browser does not have an incorrectly configured separate proxy.
- DNS is abnormal: restore the client’s default DNS settings, reconnect, and test again.
In summary, the key to importing nodes into sing-box is to identify the link type, add it using the client’s subscription or clipboard import feature, and then verify it through IP, DNS, and browser checks. If you encounter problems, first try switching nodes, updating the subscription, and switching to global mode; this usually helps quickly identify the cause.