How can you access the internet freely on your phone? This guide walks you through installing a client and importing a node to get connected for the first time, while explaining the different roles of your IP address, DNS, and browser settings. It applies to Android and iPhone. Menu names may vary between clients, so follow the options shown in your app and comply with local laws and regulations.
1. Prepare a client and a working node
You’ll usually need a client that supports the relevant protocol, along with a node link, QR code, or subscription URL. VLESS, VMess, and Trojan are common proxy protocols, while Clash and sing-box use their own configuration formats. The subscription format must be compatible with your client; you can’t paste any link into just any app.
On Android, you can use v2rayNG, if maintained, or a client that supports Clash configurations. On iPhone, get an app that supports the relevant protocol from your region’s App Store. Prefer official project channels or reputable app stores. Don’t install modified apps from unknown sources, or install unfamiliar root certificates or device management profiles just to import a node.
2. Import and connect in order
- Check the node instructions to see whether you have an individual node link or a subscription URL, and which type of client it supports.
- Open the client and look for “Add configuration,” “Import from clipboard,” or “Subscription management.” Import an individual node link directly. For a subscription URL, add it under subscriptions and then update it.
- Select a node from the configuration list. If you get a format error, check for extra spaces or explanatory text in the copied content, or make sure you selected the right subscription type.
- When connecting for the first time, allow the system to set up a VPN connection. This permission is generally used to route your phone’s traffic; it doesn’t mean the node is necessarily safe or reliable.
- Start with rule mode or the client’s recommended default mode. Test a regular webpage and the site you want to access. If they behave differently, temporarily switch to global mode for comparison.
The free nodes provided on this site can be used for testing, but availability may change. A failed subscription update and a failed node connection are different issues, so check the subscription URL and the connection separately. Don’t share subscription links that contain credentials.
3. What your IP, DNS, and browser each affect
Your exit IP determines the network location websites see. After connecting, you can check it on an IP lookup page. However, in rule mode, the lookup site may connect directly, so the result from one page doesn’t necessarily reflect all your traffic. IP geolocation databases can also be inaccurate.
DNS translates domain names into IP addresses. If the client is connected but you often see “server not found” errors, DNS resolution may be failing. Start with the client’s default DNS settings. Android’s “Private DNS” and a browser’s “Secure DNS” can change the DNS route. While troubleshooting, you can temporarily restore automatic settings and compare the results one at a time.
Your browser also stores cookies, sign-in status, and site permissions. Even if your exit IP changes, a website may still show old content based on your account region, location permissions, or browsing history. Incognito mode does not automatically change your IP; it mainly helps reduce interference from existing browsing history and cookies.
4. Troubleshoot connection failures
First, disconnect the proxy and confirm that your local network is working. Then check that your phone’s clock is set to sync automatically and that the node hasn’t expired. Update the subscription and try another node. If none of them work, switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data, and pause any other VPN or network-filtering apps to avoid conflicts.
If only your browser is having problems, compare results in an incognito window or another browser, and clear data for the affected site only if needed. If only certain apps can’t connect, check per-app proxy settings and rules. Change just one setting at a time and note the results; this makes the cause easier to identify than repeatedly reinstalling the app.