How to Import a Subscription in Clash: A Complete Guide to Links, IPs, DNS, and Browser Environments

This article answers the question “How do I import a subscription into Clash?” and explains why you might still be unable to connect, open websites, change your IP, prevent DNS leaks, or avoid browser environment issues after importing it. It’s intended as a reference for first-time Clash users, as well as users of Clash Verge, older versions of Clash for Windows, and other clients compatible with Clash configurations.

1. What to prepare before importing a subscription

A Clash subscription is usually a URL containing configuration details such as nodes, rules, and proxy groups. You can use an existing subscription from your provider, or try the free node subscriptions offered on this site. Before importing, check three things: the link has no extra spaces, your current network can access the subscription URL, and your computer or phone has the correct time.

• A subscription link usually starts with http or https. It is not a string for a single vmess, vless, or trojan node.
• If the subscription URL won’t open, Clash won’t be able to update the configuration either.
• Avoid refreshing the same subscription frequently in multiple clients, as this may trigger server-side limits.

2. How to import a subscription into Clash

Interfaces vary slightly between clients, but the process is much the same: open the configuration page, add the subscription URL, then update and enable the configuration.

1. Open the Clash client and find “Profiles,” “Configuration,” “Subscriptions,” or “Configuration Files.”
2. Click a button such as “New,” “Add,” or “Import from URL.”
3. Paste the subscription link into the URL field. You can give it a name, such as “freevpn-x test subscription.”
4. Click Save, Download, or Update, then wait for the configuration to finish downloading.
5. Return to the configuration list and select the file you just imported.
6. Open the Proxy or Proxies page and choose an available node. To start, use Rule mode.
7. Enable the system proxy, then visit a site such as ipinfo.io or whatismyip in your browser to check whether your exit IP has changed.

In Clash Verge Rev, you can usually click the plus sign on the “Subscriptions” page. On mobile Clash Meta clients, look for “Configuration Files” or “Profiles” to add a URL.

3. Imported successfully, but can’t access the internet? Check your IP, DNS, and browser

Importing a subscription successfully doesn’t guarantee that everything will work—you also need to check your local network environment. First, make sure the system proxy is enabled and that the HTTP and SOCKS ports are running normally in the Clash main window. If you have other proxy extensions installed in your browser, they may override Clash settings. Try disabling extensions such as SwitchyOmega or Proxy Switch.

Next, check DNS. If Telegram connects but websites won’t load, or Google is very slow, a common cause is DNS pollution or DNS being disabled in the client. You can enable DNS in the client settings, use Fake-IP, or use the DNS included in the configuration. Unless you’re an advanced user, avoid changing complex rules; start with the subscription’s default configuration.

Then check your IP. If an IP-checking site still shows your local ISP’s IP, your traffic isn’t going through the proxy. If it shows the IP of the node’s location, the proxy is working. Some websites also check browser details such as language, time zone, and WebRTC. Being flagged by a site doesn’t necessarily mean Clash has failed. Try an incognito window, disable WebRTC leak extensions, or switch nodes.

4. Common errors and how to fix them

• Configuration download failed: Check that the subscription URL is complete and try opening it in a browser. If it requires a proxy, try switching networks or using a temporary node.
• YAML parse error: The configuration may be incompatible or the subscription content may be malformed. Copy the link again or switch to a client that supports Clash Meta.
• All nodes show red: A node may be down, your network may be blocking connections, or the speed-test address may be unreachable. This doesn’t mean every node is unusable; switch nodes manually and try opening a website.
• Only some websites won’t open: This is often related to rules, DNS, or browser cache. Try switching to Global mode to check.

In short, importing a subscription into Clash comes down to “add the URL, update the configuration, select a node, and enable the system proxy.” If problems persist, check the subscription URL, client status, DNS, exit IP, and browser extensions—in that order. This will usually help you pinpoint the issue. Free nodes are useful for temporary testing and learning how to configure the client. For everyday use, keep multiple backup subscriptions so a single failed connection doesn’t leave you offline.