This guide addresses the most common questions from Android users: how to add a subscription in v2rayNG, how to update nodes afterward, and how to troubleshoot issues such as websites not loading despite a successful connection, an unexpected IP address, DNS leaks, or inconsistencies in your browser environment. It’s written for everyday users trying v2rayNG for the first time.
1. Before you begin: Make sure your subscription link works
v2rayNG is a popular V2Ray/Xray client for Android that supports common protocols such as VLESS, VMess, Trojan, and Shadowsocks. Before adding a subscription, you’ll need a subscription link, usually starting with https:// and provided by your node service provider. This site also collects free nodes and subscription resources for testing, but the reliability of free nodes depends on your network conditions, so it’s a good idea to have a few alternatives ready.
For installation, we recommend downloading the latest version of v2rayNG from a trusted source. When you open it for the first time, allow VPN access if prompted by your device; otherwise, the client won’t be able to route your phone’s traffic.
2. How to add a subscription in v2rayNG
- Open v2rayNG and tap the “+” icon or menu button in the upper-right corner.
- Select “Subscription settings” or “Subscription group setting.” The wording may vary slightly between versions.
- Tap “+” in the upper-right corner and enter a name in the “Remarks” field, such as “Free subscription” or “Backup servers.”
- Paste the subscription link into the “Address/URL” field, making sure there are no spaces at either end.
- Save, return to the main screen, open the menu in the upper-right corner, and select “Update subscription.”
- Wait for the nodes to appear in the list, tap any node, then tap the connect button in the lower-right corner.
If no nodes appear after updating, first check that the subscription URL is complete. If the update fails, try switching networks—for example, switch from Wi-Fi to mobile data—and try again.
3. How subscriptions, IP addresses, DNS, and your browser environment are connected
A subscription is simply the “entry point” to your list of nodes. The node you select, routing rules, DNS, and your browser environment are what actually affect your browsing experience. Once connected, websites will generally see the proxy node’s exit IP address rather than your device’s IP. You can visit an IP lookup site to confirm whether it has changed.
DNS translates domain names into IP addresses. If the proxy is connected but websites still won’t load or some sites redirect unexpectedly, DNS may still be routed through your local network, resulting in interference or incorrect resolution. In v2rayNG, you can try enabling “Remote DNS” or using the client’s default DNS settings. Avoid entering addresses you don’t recognize.
Your browser environment can also affect what websites see. For example, browser cache, cookies, language, time zone, and WebRTC can all reveal your previous region or real network characteristics. If your IP has changed but a website still shows your old region, try clearing your cache, using incognito mode, or disabling WebRTC to reduce the risk of leaks.
4. Quick troubleshooting checklist for connection failures
- Subscription won’t update: Check whether the link has expired and whether it was copied in full. If necessary, switch networks and try again.
- Nodes import successfully but won’t connect: Try a different node; free nodes may be temporarily unavailable.
- Shows as connected, but websites won’t load: Check that your device’s time is correct, try switching routing modes, or restart v2rayNG.
- Only some apps work: Check that “Per-app proxy” hasn’t been configured incorrectly, or add the app you want to use to the proxy list.
- Your IP hasn’t changed: The connection may not have been established successfully, or your browser may be using another proxy or accelerator. Close any conflicting apps first.
In general, adding a subscription in v2rayNG involves four basic steps: add the subscription URL, update the subscription, select a node, and connect. When something goes wrong, don’t focus only on the client’s status—check your IP, DNS, and browser environment as well. This makes it easier to identify whether the issue is with the node, DNS resolution, or your device’s environment.