This article explains how to import nodes into sing-box, including importing from a subscription link or individual node details. It also covers why you should check your IP, DNS, and browser settings after importing. It’s intended as a step-by-step guide for new sing-box users.
1. What to prepare before importing
sing-box is a proxy core. On different operating systems, people typically use a GUI client, such as sing-box GUI, SFA, or nekoray on Android, Windows, or macOS. Before importing, make sure you have valid node details. These are usually a subscription link or an individual node link, such as vless, vmess, trojan, or hysteria2. This site also compiles free nodes that are suitable for testing connectivity, but free nodes may be unreliable, so it’s a good idea to have a few backups ready.
- Subscription link: A full set of nodes that you can update later.
- Individual node link: Imports just one node and is suitable for temporary use.
- JSON configuration: Some clients support importing sing-box configuration files directly.
2. Common steps for importing nodes into sing-box
The button names may vary slightly between clients, but the general process is the same. Here’s a typical workflow:
- Open your sing-box client and go to the “Configuration,” “Profiles,” or “Subscription” page.
- Click a button such as “Add,” “Import,” or “New profile.”
- For a subscription link, select “Import from URL,” paste the subscription address, and enter a name.
- For an individual node, select “Import from clipboard” or “Scan QR code,” and make sure the link is complete.
- Save, then click “Update subscription” or “Sync,” and wait for the node list to appear.
- Select a node, start the proxy, and open a website in your browser to test it.
If the client reports a formatting error, first check that you copied the entire link. In particular, make sure you haven’t missed the protocol name at the beginning, the parameters after the question mark, or the remark at the end. Some clients don’t support every protocol. If a link isn’t recognized, try another GUI client that supports sing-box.
3. Why check your IP, DNS, and browser settings after importing?
Successfully importing a node doesn’t guarantee that everything is working correctly. After connecting, open an IP lookup site to confirm that your public IP has changed, then check whether your DNS requests are still going through your local ISP. If your IP has changed but your DNS is still leaking, some websites may not load or may identify your location incorrectly.
Most users can start by enabling system proxy or VPN/TUN mode in the client. Avoid installing multiple proxy extensions in your browser, as they may conflict with sing-box’s proxy settings. If you use Chrome, Edge, or Firefox, make sure you haven’t manually set a proxy or left behind any old PAC rules.
4. Quick troubleshooting for connection failures
- Node times out: Switch to another node, or update the subscription and try again.
- Unable to start: Check whether another proxy app is using the local port.
- Messaging works, but websites won’t open: Check your DNS settings and try enabling the client’s built-in DNS.
- Browser traffic isn’t going through the proxy: Make sure the system proxy is enabled and that no browser extension is overriding the settings.
- Subscription update fails: Try again on a different network and make sure the subscription address contains no spaces or line breaks.
In short, importing nodes into sing-box comes down to “add a subscription or node link—update—select a node—start the proxy—check your settings.” If something goes wrong, don’t focus only on the node itself. Check your IP, DNS, and browser proxy settings as well to help pinpoint the cause.