This article answers the question “How do I import nodes into sing-box?” It’s for everyday users who have just installed a sing-box client. Follow the steps to import a subscription, add nodes manually, and start the proxy. It also explains how your IP, DNS, and browser environment interact after you connect, so you can tell whether the connection is actually working.
1. What to prepare before importing nodes
sing-box is a proxy core. Many users run it through a client with a graphical interface, such as a sing-box GUI, SFA, or a third-party client for Windows, macOS, or Android. Before importing, make sure you have installed a client and have valid node information or a subscription link. This site provides free nodes and subscription examples, or you can use nodes you already have.
- Subscription link: Usually a URL starting with https. The client can automatically update the nodes.
- Single-node link: May start with vless, vmess, trojan, ss, or a similar protocol name.
- JSON configuration: Suitable for an already prepared sing-box configuration file.
2. Common ways to import nodes into sing-box
Menu names vary slightly between clients, but the process is generally the same. Using a subscription is recommended, as it’s easier to update later.
- Open the sing-box client and go to “Configuration,” “Profiles,” or “Subscriptions.”
- Select “Add Subscription” or “Import from URL.”
- Paste the subscription link. Enter a name such as “freevpn-x” or choose your own.
- Click Save, then select “Update Subscription” or “Refresh.”
- Return to the node list, select a node, and click Start or Connect.
If you only have a single-node link, select “Import from Clipboard” or “Import URI.” For a JSON file, select “Import Configuration File,” choose the local JSON file, and save it. After importing, we recommend testing in “Global” or “Rule” mode first. Once you’ve confirmed that you can access the internet, adjust the settings as needed.
3. How to check your IP, DNS, and browser environment after connecting
Many people assume that the connection is working as soon as the client shows “Connected,” but you also need to check whether your traffic is going through the proxy. After connecting, visit an IP lookup site to see if your public IP has changed. Then test your DNS to make sure queries aren’t still going through your local internet provider. If your IP has changed but some websites still won’t load, the issue may be that your rules aren’t matching, DNS is cached, or there’s a problem with your browser environment.
IP is the exit address websites see when you visit them; DNS translates domain names into addresses; and your browser environment includes its cache, proxy settings, WebRTC, extensions, and more. To troubleshoot, open the site in an incognito window or try a different browser so old cached data doesn’t affect your results.
4. Quick troubleshooting for connection failures
- Subscription update fails: Check that the link is complete and that your network can access the subscription URL.
- No nodes appear after importing: The subscription format may be incompatible. Try another client or use a converted sing-box configuration.
- It says connected, but web pages won’t load: Switch to Global mode for testing and check that the system proxy is enabled.
- Only some websites have problems: Refresh DNS, clear your browser cache, or switch nodes.
- Frequent disconnections: Try switching protocols, ports, or network connections—for example, compare Wi-Fi with mobile data.
In summary, importing nodes into sing-box comes down to adding a subscription or configuration, updating it, selecting a node, starting the proxy, and verifying your IP and DNS. If you run into problems, don’t rely on the client’s connection status alone. Check IP, DNS, and your browser environment in turn to quickly pinpoint the cause.