This guide explains how to import a subscription into Clash and troubleshoot issues that may persist afterward, such as webpages not loading, your IP address not changing, DNS leaks, or browser problems. It’s intended for everyday users who are new to Clash or clients such as Clash Verge and Clash for Windows. Follow the steps below to import a subscription and perform basic troubleshooting.
1. What to prepare before importing a subscription
A Clash subscription is usually a link starting with http or https that contains configuration for multiple proxy nodes. You can use a subscription from a service you’ve purchased, or try one of the free node subscriptions listed on this site. Note: Free nodes can be unreliable, so they’re suitable for testing whether your client works but aren’t recommended for long-term use.
- Make sure your computer or phone has a working internet connection.
- Copy the entire subscription link, without any extra spaces or Chinese punctuation.
- Install a Clash client that supports subscriptions, such as Clash Verge Rev or Clash Meta for Android.
- If your existing configurations are cluttered, back them up before deleting any invalid ones.
2. How to import a subscription into Clash
The interface varies slightly between clients, but the basic process is the same: add a configuration, paste in the subscription link, then update and enable it.
- Open your Clash client and go to the “Profiles / Configuration / Subscription” page.
- Click “New / Add,” then choose “URL” or “Import from link.”
- Paste the subscription link into the address field. You can name it “Free Node Test” or “My Subscription.”
- Click “Download / Update / Save and Update,” then wait for the configuration to finish downloading.
- Return to the configuration list and select the subscription you just imported to enable it.
- Go to the “Proxies” page and select a node. For testing, start with Rule or Global mode.
- Turn on “System Proxy,” then visit the website you want to test in your browser.
If the download fails, try opening the subscription link in a browser to see if it’s accessible. If it won’t open there either, the link may be invalid, blocked by your network, or entered incorrectly.
3. How subscriptions, IPs, DNS, and browser settings are related
Importing a subscription only adds the node list to Clash. The results you get also depend on three things: whether the proxy is enabled, whether DNS requests are resolved according to the rules, and whether your browser uses the system proxy. Many users assume that a successful import means the proxy is working, but you also need to check how your traffic is routed.
IP address: When you connect to a node, websites see the node’s exit IP address. If a detection site still shows your local IP, the system proxy may be off, your browser may be connecting directly, or no rule may be matching.
DNS: DNS translates domain names into IP addresses. If DNS is being tampered with, you may be able to connect to a node but still be unable to open websites. You can enable built-in DNS in Clash settings or switch to the enhanced mode recommended by your client. If you’re a beginner, avoid changing advanced settings at random.
Browser settings: Chrome and Edge usually follow the system proxy. Firefox may use its own proxy or DoH settings. If only one browser has trouble loading websites, first check its proxy settings, extensions, private DNS settings, and cache.
4. Common connection problems and how to troubleshoot them
- Subscription update fails: Check that the link is complete, try a different network, and disable any unnecessary proxies before trying again.
- Node shows a timeout: Switch to another node or wait for the free node to become available again. Don’t test just one node.
- Webpages won’t open, but messaging apps work: Switch between Rule and Global mode, and check whether a rule is sending the target website through a direct connection.
- IP address hasn’t changed: Make sure the system proxy is enabled. On Windows, try restarting Clash; on mobile, make sure VPN permission is granted.
- Some websites have certificate or CAPTCHA issues: Clear your browser cache, disable suspicious extensions, and try a different node.
Finally, test connectivity after importing a subscription, then check your IP, followed by DNS and browser settings. Troubleshooting in this order can save you from repeatedly reinstalling the client. If you’re using a free subscription, outages are common; update the subscription or switch nodes when needed.