This article explains how to import a subscription into Clash, enable it after importing, and troubleshoot websites that won’t load even when nodes are available. It also covers how IP, DNS, and browser settings affect connectivity. Menu names may vary between Clash-based clients, but the basic process is the same: add a subscription, download the configuration, select it, and enable the proxy.
1. Before importing: check the client and subscription format
Install a Clash-compatible client that suits your device and is still maintained. Whenever possible, download it from the project’s official release page, and don’t run installation packages from unknown sources. Once the client is open, look for a “Configuration,” “Profiles,” or “Subscription” page.
You’ll need a subscription link in a format supported by Clash. Individual node-sharing links such as vless:// or vmess:// may not work directly in the subscription field, so first check whether the client supports the relevant import method. Subscription links may contain authentication tokens: don’t share screenshots of them or submit them to unfamiliar online conversion services.
2. How to import a subscription into Clash
- Copy the complete subscription URL from a trusted source. Check that it has no extra spaces, line breaks, or Chinese punctuation at either end. If you use free nodes from sources such as this site, first check that the format is supported and the nodes are still valid.
- Open the “Configuration” page and click “New,” “Add,” or “Import from URL.” Enter a descriptive name, then paste the address into the subscription URL field.
- Click “Download” or “Import” and wait for the configuration to appear in the list. If it fails, note the error message rather than retrying repeatedly in quick succession.
- Click the new configuration to set it as the active configuration. A successful download doesn’t mean it has been selected; check that it’s marked as selected in the list.
- Return to the “Proxies” page. If you’re not sure which mode to use, start with “Rule” mode, then select a node in the main proxy group. Group names depend on the subscription configuration.
- Enable “System Proxy,” then test a few familiar websites. Some apps don’t use the system proxy. If you need TUN mode, follow the client’s instructions to grant the required permissions, and avoid running multiple proxy tools at the same time.
3. How to update your subscription and check that it’s working
Find the subscription in the configuration list and click “Update” or the refresh button to download it again. If the client supports automatic updates, set a reasonable interval; there’s no need to refresh every few minutes. After updating, check the node list and selected proxy group. If the current node no longer works, select another one.
Don’t rely solely on a “Connected” status to confirm that everything is working. Check the client’s connection logs, run a node latency test, and try opening a website. A successful latency test doesn’t guarantee access to every website; in Rule mode, some websites may connect directly as expected.
4. Troubleshoot import or connection failures step by step
- Subscription download fails: Check that the link hasn’t expired, your device’s clock is correct, and your local network is working. If downloading the subscription depends on a proxy that’s currently unavailable, turn off the system proxy and try again. Don’t bypass errors by disabling certificate verification.
- Configuration parsing fails: Common causes include an incompatible format, a link that returns a login page, or a configuration field that the client’s core doesn’t support. Update the client and check the format with the subscription provider.
- Nodes are available, but websites won’t load: Confirm that the configuration is active and the proxy group isn’t set to DIRECT. Try another node and check whether another app has overridden the system proxy.
- Only the browser has problems: Check for conflicting proxy extensions. Secure DNS or encrypted DNS may also change the DNS resolution path. Temporarily adjust those settings and compare the results; once you’ve identified the cause, restore the settings that work best for you.
Whether your public IP changes depends on whether your traffic is routed through the proxy. DNS is responsible for resolving domain names, while cookies, sign-in status, and browser cache can also affect how a website identifies you. Importing a subscription doesn’t automatically change every browser setting, so a website’s displayed region alone isn’t enough to determine whether the import failed.