This article answers the common question, “How do I import nodes into sing-box?” It covers importing via subscription links, manually pasting node information, and why you should check your IP, DNS, and browser environment after importing. It’s intended to help sing-box beginners follow the steps with ease.
1. What to prepare before importing
sing-box is a proxy core. Many users access it through a client with a graphical interface, such as a client that supports the sing-box core on Android, Windows, macOS, or iOS. Before you begin, make sure of three things: the client is installed, your node or subscription link is valid, and your device’s clock is reasonably accurate. This site also collects some free nodes. We recommend testing connectivity with a small number first rather than importing too many at once, which can make troubleshooting more difficult.
- Subscription link: Usually a URL beginning with https, suitable for updating multiple nodes at once.
- Single node: May be a vless, vmess, trojan, hysteria2, or similar link.
- Configuration file: Some clients support importing JSON configuration files, but beginners are better off using a subscription.
2. Common ways to import nodes into sing-box
The button names vary slightly between clients, but the process is generally the same. The steps below cover subscription and manual imports; choose the method that matches your node source.
- Open the sing-box client and go to “Configuration,” “Profiles,” or “Subscriptions.”
- Select “Add Subscription,” “Import from URL,” or a similar option.
- Paste the subscription link. You can name it “freevpn-x test” or choose a name of your own.
- Save, then select “Update Subscription” or “Sync.”
- Return to the node list, select a node, and turn on the proxy.
- Open a browser and visit an IP lookup site to check whether your public IP has changed.
If you have a link for a single node, paste it using “Import from Clipboard” or a similar option. Some clients detect the protocol automatically. If you see a format error, first check that the link hasn’t been corrupted by line breaks, spaces, or non-English punctuation.
3. Why check your IP, DNS, and browser environment after importing
Many people assume that a successful node import means the proxy is ready to use securely, but you should also check three things. First, your IP address: if the lookup still shows your local ISP’s IP, the proxy isn’t handling your traffic. System proxy may be disabled, or your rules may not match.
Second, DNS: if your IP has changed but your DNS still shows your local ISP, you may have a DNS leak. Try enabling remote DNS or FakeIP in the client, or use the DNS settings recommended by the client. You don’t need to understand every setting; just avoid letting multiple proxy apps modify DNS at the same time.
Third, your browser environment. Browser cache, extensions, WebRTC, and the region associated with your account can all affect how a site identifies you. For testing, use a private browsing window, disable other proxy extensions, and avoid running two VPN or proxy tools at the same time.
4. How to troubleshoot connection failures
- Update the subscription first, then test 2–3 different nodes so you don’t mistake a single inactive node for a wider problem.
- Make sure your phone or computer’s clock is correct. A large time difference can cause TLS handshakes to fail.
- Try a different network, such as switching from Wi-Fi to mobile data, to see whether the issue is caused by local network restrictions.
- Check the client mode: Global mode is better for testing, while Rule mode may send some sites directly.
- If you see a configuration error, remove the subscription and import it again, making sure the link is copied in full.
In summary, importing nodes into sing-box is straightforward. The key is to make sure the subscription or node format is correct, then verify that it’s working by checking your IP, DNS, and browser environment. Beginners should start with a subscription import and use the checklist above to troubleshoot issues one by one. This will usually help you find the cause quickly.