This guide explains how to import nodes into sing-box. It’s for users who already have free nodes, a subscription link, or an individual share link. Follow the steps to import and connect, then troubleshoot issues such as websites not loading or your real IP still showing due to mismatched IP, DNS, or browser settings.
1. Before you import
sing-box is the core program. Most users use a graphical client, such as a sing-box GUI client for Windows, macOS, or Android, or another tool that supports the sing-box core. Interface labels vary between clients, but the import methods are generally the same: subscription link, clipboard, or configuration file.
- Have your node source ready: the free nodes page on this site, an airport subscription, or an individual vmess/vless/trojan/hysteria share link.
- Make sure the client is installed and has permission to create a VPN or proxy connection.
- If you’re using a subscription link, copy the full URL, including the token and any parameters.
2. Import nodes using a subscription link
A subscription is the easiest option and makes it simple to update your nodes later. Follow these steps:
- Open the sing-box client and go to “Configuration,” “Subscriptions,” or “Profiles.”
- Click “Add Subscription,” “New Profile,” or “Import from URL.”
- Paste the subscription link. You can name it “freevpn-x Free Nodes” or choose your own name.
- Save it, then click “Update Subscription” or “Update” and wait for the node list to appear.
- Select a node and click Connect or Start Proxy.
If the update fails, first check whether the link opens in your browser, or try again on a different network. Some clients require the subscription to be converted to a configuration format supported by sing-box. If you see an “Unsupported format” error, try a client that supports automatic conversion, or switch to a subscription that provides sing-box configurations.
3. Import an individual node or configuration file
If you have a single node link, copy the entire link, then select “Import from Clipboard” in the client. Common options include “Import from Clipboard,” “Paste Link,” or scanning a QR code. The client will automatically detect the protocol, server address, port, and encryption parameters.
If you have a JSON configuration file, select “Import File,” choose the file, and save it. Don’t edit the JSON unless necessary—a missing comma can prevent the client from starting. After importing, use “Check Configuration” or “Test” to make sure there are no syntax errors.
4. Check your IP, DNS, and browser settings after connecting
A connected status doesn’t necessarily mean that all traffic is going through the proxy correctly. Check the following in order:
- IP check: Open an IP lookup site and see whether your public IP has changed. If you still see your local ISP’s IP, the system proxy may not be enabled, or your browser may not be using the proxy.
- DNS check: If websites load but show an incorrect location, or some sites are affected by DNS poisoning, you may have a DNS leak. Try enabling DNS proxying, remote DNS, or enhanced mode in the client.
- Browser settings: Disable any conflicting browser proxy extensions, clear your cache, and test in a private window if needed.
- Application routing: If rule mode is enabled, domestic websites may connect directly while international websites use the proxy. This is normal.
5. Troubleshoot common connection failures
If you can’t connect, don’t immediately reinstall the client. Check these items in order: whether the node has expired, whether the subscription updated successfully, whether your system clock is correct, whether UDP traffic is blocked by your network, and whether the client has VPN permissions. Android users should also make sure no other VPN is running at the same time. Windows users can check whether the firewall is blocking the client.
If a node isn’t working, try other nodes in the same subscription. Free nodes can vary in reliability depending on how many people are using them and on network conditions, so it’s a good idea to save several working configurations. Finally, check the client logs for messages such as timeout, TLS handshake failed, or DNS failed, then troubleshoot accordingly.
In summary, importing nodes into sing-box comes down to choosing the right method: use a URL for a subscription, the clipboard for a single node, or file import for JSON. After connecting, check your IP, DNS, and browser proxy settings to quickly identify most issues.