This article addresses a common question: how to import nodes into sing-box. It covers importing a subscription or a single node on mobile and desktop, connecting after import, and troubleshooting when the connection appears to work but webpages won’t load. It’s intended for everyday users who are just getting started with sing-box.
1. What to prepare before importing
sing-box is a proxy core that many users access through a graphical client, such as SFA on Android, a sing-box client on iOS, or a GUI tool on Windows or macOS. The interface varies slightly between clients, but the import process is much the same: either import a subscription link or paste a single node share link.
- Subscription link: Usually starts with https://. Use it to import multiple nodes at once and update them later.
- Single-node link: Common formats include vless://, vmess://, and trojan://. Useful for a quick test.
- Configuration file: Some clients support importing JSON configuration files, but subscriptions are generally easier for beginners.
If you’re using a free node provided by this site, first copy the corresponding subscription address or node link. Make sure you don’t include any extra spaces, Chinese punctuation, or line breaks.
2. General steps for importing nodes into sing-box
- Open the sing-box client and go to “Configuration,” “Profiles,” “Subscriptions,” or a similar section.
- Select “Add,” “New profile,” or “Import from URL.”
- Paste the subscription link. Enter a name such as “freevpn-x,” or choose your own.
- Save the profile, then tap “Update subscription” and wait for the client to fetch the node list.
- Return to the home screen and select a node from the node or outbound list.
- Tap “Start,” “Connect,” or “Enable VPN.” The first time you do this, allow the system’s VPN permission request.
- Open a browser and visit a test website to confirm that pages load properly.
If you only have a single node link, select “Import from clipboard” or “Add manually,” then paste and save the link. Some clients require you to create a profile first, then select an outbound node within it.
3. How to check your IP, DNS, and browser environment after connecting
A successful import doesn’t necessarily mean your internet connection is working properly. After connecting, check three things: your IP, DNS, and browser environment. First, visit an IP lookup site and confirm that your outgoing IP has changed. If it still shows your local ISP’s IP, the proxy may not be routing your traffic or the rules may not be taking effect.
Next, check your DNS. DNS issues can cause a client to show as connected even though webpages won’t load. Try switching to remote DNS or automatic DNS in the client, or disable local DNS tools that might conflict. Avoid running multiple proxy or VPN clients at the same time, as they may compete for control of routing and DNS.
Finally, check your browser environment. Proxy extensions, privacy extensions, and old cached data can all affect access. For troubleshooting, try an incognito window, disable other proxy extensions, and clear the cache for the site you’re trying to visit. If only one browser fails while other apps work, the issue is probably with that browser’s settings.
4. Quick troubleshooting for import or connection problems
- Subscription download failed: Check that the link is complete, try another network, or update again later.
- The node list is empty: The current client may not recognize the subscription format. Try a client that supports sing-box.
- It keeps connecting: Try another node and check that your device’s date and time are correct.
- Connected, but the speed is unusually slow: Switch nodes or change networks, and avoid chaining multiple proxies.
- Webpages won’t load: Start by checking DNS settings and browser proxy extensions.
In short, the key to importing nodes into sing-box is to copy the link correctly, use a client that supports its format, confirm that your IP changes after connecting, and then check DNS and your browser environment. Following these steps should help you pinpoint most import and connection problems.