This guide explains how to import a subscription into Clash and how to troubleshoot issues such as being unable to connect, websites not loading, your IP not changing, DNS leaks, or browser environment problems. It’s intended for everyday users who have just received a subscription URL, a free node link, or a subscription from a VPN provider. Simply follow the steps below.
1. What to prepare before importing a subscription
Clash is just a client; you need a subscription URL or configuration file to use it. You can use a subscription provided by your service provider or copy an available subscription from the free nodes page on this site. Be sure to distinguish between the two types of content: an address starting with http/https, and a YAML configuration file. In most cases, a subscription URL is recommended because it’s easier to update later.
- Make sure you’ve installed Clash for Windows, Clash Verge, Clash Meta, or another compatible client.
- Check that the subscription URL contains no extra spaces and can be opened in a browser or used to download a configuration.
- If your system clock is inaccurate, sync it automatically first to avoid certificate and connection issues.
2. Standard steps for importing a subscription into Clash
- Open the Clash client and go to the Profiles, Configuration, Subscription, or Config Files page.
- Click New, Import, Download from URL, or “Import from URL.”
- Paste the subscription URL and enter an easy-to-recognize name, such as “Free Node Subscription.”
- Click Download, Save, or Update, then wait for the configuration to appear in the list.
- Select the configuration you just imported, return to the Proxies page, and choose a node or policy group.
- Enable the system proxy or Tun mode, then visit a test website to confirm that it’s working.
If you imported a local YAML file, select “Import from file” and choose the configuration. After importing, we recommend clicking Update Subscription once to avoid using expired nodes.
3. How IP, DNS, and your browser environment are related
Many people assume that successfully importing a subscription means they’re connected, but your IP, DNS, and browser environment matter too. Your IP determines the location external websites see for your connection; DNS determines where domain names are resolved; and your browser environment includes things like cache, cookies, WebRTC, language, and time zone.
If Clash is connected but your IP hasn’t changed, first check whether the system proxy is enabled, whether your browser is using a separate proxy extension, or whether the software is using Direct rules. If DNS shows your local ISP, your browser may be using Secure DNS, your system DNS may not be routed through the client, or enhanced mode may be disabled. For most users, we recommend starting with Rule mode and testing Global mode if needed.
4. Troubleshooting import and connection failures
- Download failed message: Check whether the subscription URL has expired, requires you to log in, or is inaccessible from your network.
- Nodes appear but are all red: The nodes may be unavailable or the subscription may not be up to date. Try another node or update the subscription.
- Websites won’t load: Confirm that the system proxy is enabled, disable any conflicting browser proxy extensions, and restart your browser.
- Only some websites won’t load: Compare Rule and Global modes, or switch to another node.
- Slow speeds or disconnections: Choose a node with lower latency, but don’t rely on latency alone—actual availability matters more.
Finally, we recommend keeping 2–3 subscriptions from different sources as backups, but don’t enable proxies in multiple clients at the same time, as this can cause port conflicts and routing issues. The basic process for importing a subscription into Clash is straightforward: get the URL, import the configuration, choose a node, enable the proxy, and check your IP and DNS. Following these steps in order will help you identify most issues.