This article explains how to import nodes into sing-box, covering subscription links, configuration files, and manual node entry. It also explains why you should check your IP, DNS, and browser environment after importing. It’s written for everyday users trying sing-box for the first time.
1. What to prepare before importing
sing-box is a proxy core. Many people use it through a client with a graphical interface, such as a sing-box client, SFI, or SFA on Windows, Android, iOS, or macOS. The interface varies slightly between clients, but the basic steps are the same: get a node or subscription, have the client load the configuration, and then enable the proxy.
- Have a working node link in a format such as vless, vmess, trojan, or shadowsocks.
- Or have a subscription URL, usually a link that starts with https://.
- Or have a complete sing-box JSON configuration file.
- Make sure your phone or computer’s system clock is correct. An incorrect time can cause TLS connection failures.
This site curates some free nodes for temporary connectivity tests. If you need reliable access over the long term, make sure to assess the source and availability of the nodes yourself.
2. Import sing-box nodes using a subscription link
If you have a subscription link, this is the easiest method. A subscription is essentially a list of nodes that the client fetches and displays as available routes.
- Open the sing-box client and go to “Configuration,” “Profiles,” or “Subscriptions.”
- Select “Add Subscription,” “Remote Profile,” or “Import from URL.”
- Paste in the subscription link. You can give it a recognizable name, such as “freevpn-test.”
- Save it, then select “Update Subscription” or “Download.”
- Return to the home screen, select the imported profile, and tap Start.
If the update fails, first make sure the subscription link has no spaces and hasn’t been truncated by a messaging app. Then try switching networks, for example from Wi-Fi to mobile data. Some subscriptions require a client that supports format conversion. If you see a JSON error, the subscription may not be in native sing-box format, so you’ll need a compatible client or a conversion tool.
3. Import a single node or JSON configuration
If you have a single node link, select “Import from Clipboard” in the client. Copy the node link, return to the client, and tap Import. Once imported, it will appear as a profile or node entry.
If you have a complete JSON file, select “Import File,” browse to the .json file, and save it. Keep in mind that sing-box requires a strict configuration format: a missing comma or mismatched bracket can prevent it from starting. If you’re not familiar with the format, avoid editing complex fields; stick to simple options such as names and toggles.
After importing, enable System Proxy or VPN mode. Desktop clients commonly call this System Proxy, while mobile clients often call it VPN Mode. If you import a node without starting the proxy, your browser will still use your regular network.
4. Check your IP, DNS, and browser environment after importing
Being able to open a webpage doesn’t necessarily mean your configuration is working correctly. You should also check that your IP, DNS, and browser fingerprint are consistent. After starting sing-box, visit an IP lookup site and confirm that your public IP matches the node’s region. If your IP hasn’t changed, you probably haven’t enabled the system proxy, or your browser isn’t using the proxy.
Next, check for DNS leaks. If a site shows that your DNS requests are still going through your local provider, you may experience access problems or expose your privacy. You can enable built-in DNS, FakeIP, or rule-based DNS in the client settings; the option names vary by client. Avoid running several network accelerators or proxy extensions at once, as they can compete to handle your traffic.
Your browser environment can also affect the results. For example, another proxy extension installed in Chrome may override sing-box, and extensions may behave differently in Incognito mode. For testing, turn off browser proxy extensions, leave only sing-box enabled, and refresh the IP check page.
5. Quick troubleshooting for connection failures
- Configuration error: The JSON format is probably incompatible. Try a sing-box-format subscription or import the configuration again.
- sing-box starts, but webpages won’t load: Check that System Proxy or VPN mode is enabled.
- Only some sites won’t load: Try a different node, or switch to global mode for testing.
- TLS or certificate error: Check your system clock, or the node may no longer be working.
- Your IP hasn’t changed: Your browser may not be using the proxy. Turn off other proxy extensions and try again.
In summary, there are three main ways to import nodes into sing-box: subscriptions, individual nodes from the clipboard, and local JSON files. Importing is only the first step. After starting the proxy, check that your IP has changed, that DNS isn’t leaking, and that no other browser extensions are interfering. This is how you can confirm that your configuration is actually working.