This guide explains how to import a subscription into Clash and how to troubleshoot common problems that may persist afterward, such as websites not loading, your IP address not changing, DNS leaks, or browser environment inconsistencies. It’s intended for beginners who have just received a Clash subscription link, a free node link, or a subscription from a VPN provider. Follow the steps below to import it and perform basic troubleshooting.
1. What to prepare before importing a subscription into Clash
Clash is just a client; it can’t connect to the internet on its own. You’ll need a working subscription link, usually starting with http or https. The subscription contains multiple nodes, rules, and proxy groups. We also compile some free node information on this site for temporary testing, but free nodes can vary in reliability depending on the route, user load, and time of day. It’s a good idea to have a few backups ready.
Also make sure you have a commonly used Clash client installed, such as Clash for Windows, Clash Verge, a Clash Meta-based client, or a compatible mobile client. The names of options may vary slightly between interfaces, but the basic process is the same: add a profile, paste the subscription link, update it, select a node, and enable the proxy.
2. How to import a subscription into Clash: General steps
- Copy the subscription link: Copy the full subscription URL from the node page or provider dashboard. Make sure it doesn’t include any spaces or line breaks.
- Open the Clash client and go to Profiles, Configuration, Subscriptions, or the profile page.
- Click New, Add, Download from URL, Import from URL, or a similar button.
- Paste the subscription link and enter a name that’s easy to recognize, such as “Free Node Test.”
- Click Download, Save, or Update, then wait for the client to fetch the configuration.
- Go back to Proxies, Proxy, or the node page and select a node with low latency and a normal status.
- Enable System Proxy. If Tun Mode is available, you can leave it off for now and try it after confirming the basic proxy works.
If the subscription imports successfully but no nodes appear, the link may have expired, the format may be incompatible, or your network may be unable to access the subscription URL. Try opening the link in a browser first. If it won’t open there, Clash probably won’t be able to update it either.
3. What IP, DNS, and browser environment affect
Many people assume that importing a subscription is all it takes to get online, but you also need to consider whether your IP, DNS, and browser environment are set up correctly. Your IP determines where websites think you’re connecting from; DNS determines how domain names are resolved; and your browser environment includes settings and data such as language, time zone, cache, cookies, and WebRTC.
- IP address not changing: Check that the system proxy is enabled, that your browser isn’t using separate proxy settings, and that your Clash proxy group has a working node selected.
- DNS issues: These may cause some websites to fail to load or resolve to the wrong address. Try enabling the built-in DNS in Clash settings, or switch to Rule mode and try again.
- Inconsistent browser environment: For example, if your IP is in another country but your browser language and time zone clearly don’t match, some websites may trigger verification. Clear your cache, disable location access, and use a separate browser profile if needed.
- WebRTC leaks: Some browsers may expose information about your local network. Install a WebRTC control extension or disable the relevant feature in your browser’s privacy settings.
4. Quick troubleshooting for connection failures after importing
First, check whether the traffic indicator on the Clash home page changes. If there’s no traffic, requests from your system or browser aren’t reaching Clash. If there is traffic but webpages still won’t load, check the node, rules, and DNS.
Try these steps in order: update the subscription, then switch between two or three different nodes; switch the mode from Rule to Global for testing; turn the system proxy off and back on; close any other VPNs, proxy extensions, or accelerators; and finally, restart the client and browser. On mobile, also make sure VPN permission has been granted.
Keep in mind that subscription links contain sensitive configuration and may include your access credentials. Don’t post them in public groups or share screenshots that show them. For regular use, update your subscription periodically and replace it promptly if it stops working. This will help keep Clash reliable and available.