This article explains “how to import nodes into sing-box.” It’s for users who have just installed the sing-box client and aren’t sure how to import nodes after receiving a free node or subscription link, or who still can’t open websites after connecting and are experiencing DNS or browser issues. The steps below are aimed at regular users.
1. What to prepare before importing
sing-box is a proxy core. The interface varies across platforms and clients—for example, buttons may have different names in graphical clients for Android, Windows, and macOS—but the basic process is the same: get a node, import the configuration, then enable the proxy.
- Get a working node link, such as VLESS, VMess, Trojan, or Shadowsocks.
- If you have a subscription, it’s usually a URL beginning with http or https.
- If you have a complete configuration file, it’s usually in JSON format.
- We recommend turning off any other VPN or proxy software first to avoid port conflicts.
This site compiles free nodes and subscription information for testing. You can also use a subscription from a provider you already have. Free node availability can change, so a connection failure doesn’t necessarily mean there’s a problem with the client.
2. Common ways to import nodes into sing-box
Menu locations vary between clients, but you can follow these steps to find the corresponding options:
- Open the sing-box client and go to “Configuration,” “Profiles,” “Subscriptions,” or “Config Files.”
- If you have a subscription link, select “Add Subscription,” “Import from URL,” or “Import from Link.”
- Paste the subscription URL and enter a name that’s easy to recognize, such as “freevpn-x Free Nodes.”
- Click Update, Save, or Sync, then wait for the client to retrieve the node list.
- If you have a link for a single node, select “Import from Clipboard” or “Add Node Manually.”
- If you have a JSON file, select “Import Local File,” choose the configuration, and save it.
- Return to the home screen, select a node, and tap Start or Connect.
If no nodes appear after importing, first check that the link is complete. Make sure you haven’t omitted the protocol prefix, UUID, port, encryption parameters, or other information. For a subscription link, try opening it in a browser first. If it displays content or downloads a file, the link is accessible.
3. How IP, DNS, and your browser environment are connected
Many people assume that successfully importing a node guarantees they can access websites, but your IP, DNS, and browser environment all play a part. Your IP determines the apparent location of your connection; DNS determines how domain names are resolved; and browser cache, proxy extensions, and WebRTC can also affect the results.
If your IP hasn’t changed after connecting, the system proxy may not be enabled, or the client may be running only the core without proxy mode enabled. Turn on “System Proxy,” “TUN Mode,” or “VPN Mode” in the client. On mobile devices, you’ll generally need to allow it to create a VPN connection.
If your IP has changed but some websites won’t open, the cause may be DNS poisoning, incorrect routing rules, or a node that doesn’t support the target website. Check the client’s DNS settings first and select built-in rules or a remote DNS server. Avoid enabling multiple proxy extensions at the same time.
4. Quick troubleshooting for connection failures
- Subscription update fails: Try again on another network and check that the subscription URL hasn’t expired or contains any spaces.
- Node times out: Try another node. Free nodes may temporarily stop working.
- Connected but can’t access the internet: Turn off other VPNs, restart the client, then enable System Proxy or TUN/VPN mode.
- Browser issues: Clear the cache, disable proxy extensions, and test in a private window.
- Only some apps use the proxy: Check whether the client is in rule mode. You can temporarily switch to global mode to test.
Finally, we recommend keeping a working subscription URL and updating your nodes regularly. sing-box supports many protocols and offers flexible rules, but regular users don’t need to study the underlying server configuration. Knowing how to “import a subscription, enable the proxy, and check DNS and your browser environment” is enough to solve most issues.