This guide explains how to import a subscription into Clash and troubleshoot issues such as being unable to browse after importing, your IP address not changing, DNS leaks, or web pages not loading in your browser. It’s suitable for beginners who have just received a subscription URL, a free node link, or a subscription from a VPN provider. Follow the steps to configure and troubleshoot your connection.
1. What to prepare before importing a subscription
Clash is a rule-based proxy client and does not provide nodes itself, so you’ll need a working subscription URL. Subscription URLs usually start with http:// or https:// and contain node information for protocols such as VLESS, VMess, Trojan, and Shadowsocks. We also curate free node resources on this site. You can copy a subscription URL and import it to test, but keep in mind that free nodes may become less reliable over time.
Before importing, check three things: your client is up to date and working properly, your system clock is accurate, and you can access the subscription URL from your network. If the URL won’t open in a browser, Clash usually won’t be able to update it either.
2. General steps for importing a subscription into Clash
- Open a Clash client, such as Clash Verge, Clash for Windows, or another compatible client.
- Go to the “Profiles,” “Configuration,” “Subscriptions,” or “Config Files” page. The exact name varies by client.
- Click “New Profile,” “Import Subscription,” or “Import from URL.”
- Paste the subscription URL. You can name it “freevpn” or add a custom note.
- Click Download, Save, or Update, then wait for the configuration to finish loading.
- Return to the proxy page and select a node or an automatic selection policy group.
- Enable the system proxy. Start with Rule mode; if it doesn’t work, switch to Global mode to troubleshoot.
If you see a YAML error, an empty configuration, or a download failure, the subscription URL may have expired, you may have copied extra spaces, or the subscription content may be blocked by your network. Try copying the entire URL again and updating.
3. Why check your IP and DNS after importing successfully
Many users assume that seeing “Connected” next to a node means everything is working, but you should also check your outgoing IP address, DNS, and browser settings. Visit an IP lookup site and check whether the displayed location matches your selected node. If your IP hasn’t changed, first check whether the system proxy is enabled, whether your browser is using a separate proxy extension, and whether another app is occupying Clash’s port.
For DNS issues, if web pages load but your location appears incorrect or some sites still show your local region, the cause may be your DNS cache or system DNS settings. Try enabling DNS in Clash, restarting your browser, or clearing your system’s DNS cache. Note: Do not run multiple proxy apps at the same time, as this can cause DNS and traffic-routing conflicts.
4. Browser settings and common connection issues
- If you have proxy extensions installed in Chrome or Edge, disable them first to prevent them from overriding Clash’s system proxy.
- If only your browser fails while other apps work, check whether its proxy settings are set to follow the system.
- If no websites will load, switch nodes, update the subscription, and try both Rule and Global modes.
- If the subscription update fails, open the subscription URL in a browser first to make sure it hasn’t expired and is accessible from your network.
- If you can access domestic websites but not international ones, check whether the current policy group is set to DIRECT or an unavailable node.
When troubleshooting, change only one setting at a time and test immediately afterward so you can tell what fixed the issue. Beginners should start with Rule mode and switch nodes as needed once they’ve confirmed their IP is changing. If you’re using a free subscription, node failures are common, so update the subscription or switch to another node as needed.
In summary, importing a subscription into Clash involves copying the subscription URL, importing the configuration, selecting a node, enabling the system proxy, and then checking your IP, DNS, and browser proxy settings. Following these steps in order will help you identify most issues where a subscription imports but doesn’t work.