This guide answers the question “How do I import nodes into sing-box?” It’s for users who already have free nodes, a subscription link, or a single share link. Follow the steps to import and connect, then learn how IP, DNS, and your browser environment interact after connecting to avoid situations where it says “Connected” but websites won’t load.
1. What to prepare before importing
sing-box is a general-purpose proxy core, and many clients use it to provide a graphical interface. You don’t need to understand the underlying configuration—just prepare a client and your node details. Nodes typically come in two forms: a subscription link, usually starting with https, or a single node link, which starts with a protocol such as vless, vmess, trojan, or hysteria2.
- Windows/macOS: Use a graphical client with the sing-box core, then import your details under “Subscription” or “Configuration.”
- Android: Choose a client that supports sing-box and grant it VPN permission before use.
- iOS: Use a client that supports sing-box configurations, then enable the proxy after importing.
This site compiles free nodes for testing and instructions for using subscriptions. However, free nodes can be unstable, so if one isn’t working, try another or come back later.
2. Importing nodes using a subscription link
If you have a subscription URL, importing it is recommended because it makes future updates easier. Button names vary slightly between clients, but the general process is the same:
- Open the sing-box client and go to “Subscription,” “Configuration Management,” or “Profiles.”
- Click “Add Subscription” or “Import from URL.”
- Paste the subscription link. Enter “Free Nodes” as the name, or choose a custom name.
- Save, then click “Update Subscription” and wait for the node list to appear.
- Select a node and click Connect or Start Proxy.
After connecting, open a browser and visit an IP lookup site to confirm that your exit IP has changed. If there are many nodes, start with one that has low latency and was updated recently. However, don’t judge by latency alone—being able to access the sites you need matters more.
3. Importing a single node link
If you have a single node link, select “Import from Clipboard,” “Add Node,” or “Scan QR Code” in the client. Follow these steps:
- Copy the complete node link. Make sure you include the protocol at the beginning and all parameters at the end.
- In the client, click “Import from Clipboard” or “Add Share Link.”
- Once imported, the node will appear in the list.
- Select the node and start the connection.
If you get a format error, the link may be incomplete, the client may not support that protocol, or the subscription may have been specially converted. Try a sing-box client with broader protocol support, or import using a subscription link instead.
4. How IP, DNS, and your browser environment are related
Many users assume that once the connection succeeds, everything is taken care of. In reality, you should also check that your IP, DNS, and browser environment are consistent. Your IP determines which network exit the website sees; DNS determines whether domain lookups go through the proxy; and your browser environment includes information such as language, time zone, cache, cookies, and WebRTC.
If your IP has changed but DNS still shows your local carrier, you may have a DNS leak or a resolution issue. Enable system proxy or VPN mode in the client, and use the client’s default DNS settings if possible. If some websites still report a region mismatch, try disabling WebRTC in your browser, clearing cookies, or testing again in a private window.
5. Common troubleshooting steps for connection failures
- Subscription update fails: Check whether the link has expired and whether your network can access the subscription URL.
- The node connects, but websites won’t load: Switch to global mode or check that system proxy/VPN permissions are enabled.
- Frequent disconnections: Try another node. Free nodes may be unstable when they’re heavily used.
- Only your browser isn’t working: Check whether a browser proxy extension is conflicting with the client.
- Your IP hasn’t changed: Make sure you selected a node and clicked Start; importing it successfully isn’t enough.
In summary, it’s best to import nodes into sing-box using a subscription link. You can import a single node from the clipboard or a QR code. After connecting, don’t rely only on the “Connected” status—test your IP, DNS, and browser access to confirm that everything is working.