This article addresses the question of “how to import nodes into sing-box“: it is suitable for users who have just installed the sing-box client and, after obtaining free nodes or a subscription link, do not know how to use them. You will learn how to import a subscription, enable the proxy, and understand why your IP, DNS, and browser environment can affect access results after connecting.
1. What to prepare before importing nodes
sing-box itself is a proxy core. Client interfaces vary slightly across platforms; for example, on Windows, Android, and iOS, the app may be called sing-box, SFI, SFA, or use a third-party graphical client. Before importing, make sure of three things: the client is installed; you have a usable node link or subscription URL; and your device time and network are normal.
Common node formats include vless, vmess, trojan, and shadowsocks, while subscriptions are usually provided as an https link. This site will compile testable free nodes and subscription information, but free resources can be unstable, so it is best to judge “can be imported” separately from “can connect stably.”
2. Importing nodes with a subscription link
- Open the sing-box client and go to the “Configuration,” “Profiles,” or “Subscriptions” page.
- Select “Add Subscription,” “Import from URL,” or a similar button.
- Paste the subscription link, and enter “freevpn-x” as the name or use a custom note.
- Click update, download, or save, and wait for the client to fetch the configuration.
- Return to the home page, select the configuration you just imported, and click start or connect.
If the client reports a format error, first check whether the link is complete, especially making sure https:// is not missing. Some subscriptions require you to copy the “raw subscription URL” rather than the text on a webpage button. After a successful import, it is recommended to first test with an automatic node selection or a node with lower latency.
3. How to manually import a single node
If what you received is a share link beginning with vless://, trojan://, or ss://, you can use manual import. The usual path is “Add Configuration” → “Import from Clipboard” or “Import from clipboard.” First copy the entire node link, then return to the client and click import.
After manual import, check whether fields such as protocol, server address, port, UUID/password, transport method, and TLS have been correctly recognized. Ordinary users are not advised to change these parameters casually, because a single incorrect character may prevent connection. If you just want to get started quickly, prioritize subscription import, since it is more convenient for updating nodes later.
4. What is the relationship between IP, DNS, and the browser environment
After connecting to sing-box, the IP shown when you visit websites will usually change to the node’s exit IP, and many people use this as the basis for judging whether the connection succeeded. However, checking only the IP is not enough; DNS and the browser environment can also affect the result.
- IP: determines the exit location that websites see. If your local IP is still shown, it means the proxy has not taken over or the browser is not using the proxy.
- DNS: responsible for domain name resolution. DNS leaks may cause some websites to still judge you as being in your original network environment.
- Browser cache: old cookies, login sessions, and location permissions may cause websites to continue showing content for your original region.
- System proxy: some clients require system proxy or VPN mode to be enabled; otherwise, only the client’s built-in tests may work.
It is recommended to open an incognito window for testing after connecting. If necessary, clear the browser cache and disable webpage location permissions. On mobile devices, prioritize VPN mode; on desktop, make sure the system proxy is enabled.
5. Quick troubleshooting for connection failures
If you cannot access the external internet after importing, check in this order: first update the subscription, then switch to another node; confirm that your local network can normally open domestic websites; close other VPN or proxy software to avoid port conflicts; check whether the system time is accurate; and finally restart the client.
If only a particular website cannot be opened, the issue may be related to rule-based routing, DNS, or browser cache, and does not necessarily mean the node has failed. You can temporarily switch to global mode for testing; if global mode works, return to rule mode and optimize from there. Remember: only when the node, DNS, and browser environment are all functioning properly will the sing-box experience be stable.