This article answers the question “How do I import nodes into sing-box?” It’s for users who already have free nodes, a subscription link, or an individual node link. Follow the steps to import and connect, and learn how your IP, DNS, and browser environment can affect what you can access.
1. Before you import
sing-box is a core program. Most users use a client with a graphical interface, such as a proxy tool that supports the sing-box core on Windows, Android, iOS, or macOS. Before importing, check three things: the client is installed, the node source is trustworthy, and your system clock is set correctly. This site collects information about available free nodes, and you can also use a subscription you already have.
- Subscription link: Usually a URL beginning with https, suitable for updating multiple nodes at once.
- Individual node link: Common formats include vless://, vmess://, and trojan://.
- Local configuration: Usually a json file, suitable when the client supports importing configurations.
2. Common ways to import nodes into sing-box
The interface varies slightly between clients, but the process is much the same. A subscription is usually the best option because it’s easier to update later.
- Open the sing-box client and go to the “Configuration,” “Subscription,” or “Profiles” page.
- Click “Add subscription” or “Import from URL.”
- Paste in the subscription link. For the name, enter “Free nodes” or add a custom note.
- Save and click Update. Wait for the client to retrieve the node list.
- Return to the home page, select a node, and click Start, Connect, or Enable proxy.
- Open a browser and visit an IP lookup site to check whether your exit IP has changed.
If you have an individual node link, paste it under “Import from clipboard,” “Import from URL,” or “Add node manually.” If the client reports a format error, first check that you copied the entire link, especially its trailing parameters.
3. How IP, DNS, and your browser environment are related
A successful connection doesn’t mean every part of your environment is consistent. Your IP is the exit address that websites see, and determines where you appear to be connecting from. DNS resolves domain names to server addresses. If DNS traffic doesn’t go through the proxy, you may experience DNS leaks or be routed to an unsuitable endpoint. Your browser environment includes information such as language, time zone, cache, cookies, and WebRTC.
In short, a sing-box node changes your network exit, but your browser may still retain an old login session or local fingerprint. For example, if you connect through an overseas node but keep your browser language set to Chinese, retain old cookies, and use your local time zone, some websites may flag your environment as unusual. As a first step, refresh your IP after connecting, clear cookies for the target website, disable browser options that may cause WebRTC leaks, and use a private browsing window to test if needed.
4. Troubleshooting connection issues
If you can’t connect after importing, don’t make random configuration changes. Check the following in order:
- Can the subscription be updated? If the update fails, the link may have expired, the network may be blocking it, or it may have been copied incorrectly.
- Is the node available? Free nodes can be unreliable, so try another one.
- Is the proxy mode configured correctly? Beginners can start by testing Global or Rule mode. Don’t run multiple proxy apps at the same time.
- Is DNS causing issues? Try enabling remote DNS in the client, or switch to the system default and test again.
- Could it be a browser cache issue? Try a private browsing window or another browser.
If only one website won’t open while others work, the node probably hasn’t failed completely. The cause may be routing rules, DNS, the website’s risk controls, or your browser environment. If no websites open, check whether the client is running, the system proxy is enabled, and the node link has expired.
5. Tips for using sing-box
For everyday use, keep 2–3 node configurations from different sources, update your subscriptions regularly, and check the logs for keywords such as timeout, tls, and dns when issues arise. Don’t log in to important accounts or transmit sensitive information through untrusted nodes. Once you know how to import, update, switch, and troubleshoot nodes, you’ll be able to use sing-box more reliably for basic internet access.