This article answers the question “How do I import nodes into sing-box?” It’s intended for users who have just installed a sing-box client. You’ll learn how to import free nodes or a subscription link, and why the IP, DNS, and browser environment you see after connecting can affect your browsing experience.
1. What to prepare before importing
sing-box is a core engine. Most users use a client with a graphical interface, such as an app for Windows, Android, or iOS that supports the sing-box core. Before you begin, prepare one of the following: a subscription link, usually starting with https, or an individual node link in a format such as vless, vmess, trojan, or ss. This site curates free nodes. Before using one, we recommend choosing a link that supports sing-box or a general subscription format.
Before importing, make sure the client has network permissions. On mobile, you’ll also need to allow it to create a VPN configuration. On a computer, security software may block the import or prevent the connection.
2. Import nodes using a subscription link
- Open the sing-box graphical client and look for an entry such as “Subscriptions,” “Configuration,” “Profiles,” or “Remote Profile.”
- Add a subscription and paste in the subscription URL you copied.
- Enter any name you like, such as “freevpn-x nodes” or “Backup subscription.”
- Save it, then click Update, Sync, or Refresh and wait for the client to fetch the node list.
- Return to the nodes page, select a node, and click Connect.
If the list is empty after importing, first check that the link is complete and that you haven’t copied any extra spaces. Then try switching networks, such as from Wi-Fi to mobile data. If the subscription won’t update, the client may be working fine—the subscription source could simply be temporarily unavailable.
3. Manually import an individual node
If you have a single node link, look in the client for an option such as “Import from Clipboard” or “Scan QR Code.” Copy the full node link, then select the import option. Once imported, the node name, protocol type, and server address will usually appear.
- vless/vmess: Commonly used for V2Ray-series nodes.
- trojan: Relies heavily on TLS, so an incorrect system time may affect the connection.
- ss: Has a simple structure, but make sure the client supports the encryption method used.
After importing, we recommend leaving the settings unchanged at first. Most users only need to select a node and connect. Unless a guide specifically says otherwise, avoid changing fields such as the port, transport method, or SNI.
4. How do IP, DNS, and your browser environment affect things?
After connecting to sing-box, the IP address websites see will usually change to the IP of the network where the node is located. However, if your routing rules are set to “proxy only selected traffic,” some websites in China may still use your local network. This is normal. To check whether the connection is working, visit an IP lookup site and see whether the displayed location has changed.
DNS affects how domain names are resolved. If DNS leaks, your IP may change while some websites still identify you as being on your original network. If this happens, you can enable remote DNS or rule-based DNS in the client, or use the client’s recommended default settings. Avoid running multiple proxy apps at the same time.
Your browser environment can also affect how websites identify you. For example, your browser language, time zone, cache, cookies, and WebRTC may reveal information about your original environment. If a website still reports an unusual location, try using incognito mode, clearing your cookies, or disabling browser settings that may allow WebRTC leaks.
5. Quick troubleshooting for connection failures
- Node times out: Try another node. Free nodes may stop working or become congested.
- Connected, but web pages won’t load: Check that system proxy or VPN permissions are enabled.
- Subscription update fails: Make sure the link is accessible, or try again later.
- Only some websites won’t load: Check the routing mode, DNS, and browser cache.
In short, importing nodes into sing-box is straightforward: add the URL for a subscription, or import an individual node from the clipboard or a QR code. If you have trouble accessing websites after connecting, check the node status, DNS settings, routing rules, and browser environment—these are usually the source of most issues.