Why can’t free nodes connect? This article shows you how to distinguish between a failed node, incorrect client settings, DNS resolution issues, and browser-related problems. Follow these steps in order—update the subscription, check the proxy, switch networks, and troubleshoot the browser—to avoid repeatedly switching nodes without finding the cause. This guide applies to clients such as Clash, V2Ray, and sing-box, and does not cover setting up your own server.
1. First, determine whether the node has failed or traffic isn’t going through the proxy
Free nodes may be temporarily unavailable due to maintenance, access restrictions, or changes in the number of users. A successful subscription update also doesn’t guarantee that every node in it will connect. Conversely, a client showing “connected” only means the proxy has started; it doesn’t necessarily mean you can access your target website.
- Update the subscription on the subscription management page. Check for messages such as download failure, format error, or expired subscription. If importing fails, first confirm that the subscription format is compatible with your client.
- Select a node and run a latency test, then try opening a webpage. A latency reading does not guarantee that webpages will load, and the testing method may vary between clients.
- Make sure the system proxy or VPN connection is enabled, and check that the proxy group has a node selected rather than “Direct.” On mobile, also make sure VPN permission has been granted.
- Temporarily quit any other VPNs, proxy tools, and browser proxy extensions to prevent multiple programs from competing over proxy settings.
If only one node fails, try other nodes in the same subscription first. If all nodes fail, continue checking your local environment. When using this site’s free nodes, we also recommend updating the source page or subscription before deciding that a node has failed.
2. How are the IP and your current network related?
A node address may use an IP or a domain name. An unreachable node IP, a restricted port, or a stopped service can all cause connection timeouts. Your current network—such as a campus network, company network, or public Wi-Fi—may also restrict certain connections. A timeout message alone isn’t enough to conclude that an IP has been blocked.
Keep the same node and settings, and switch only the network: on a phone, switch from Wi-Fi to mobile data and try again; on a computer, connect to your phone’s hotspot. If the connection works after switching networks, the issue is more likely related to restrictions or routing on the original network. If it fails across multiple networks while other nodes work, the node itself is a more likely cause. Don’t replace the node’s domain with a random IP, as this may cause certificate or connection verification to fail.
3. How should you check for DNS issues?
DNS translates domain names into IP addresses. If the logs show messages such as “resolution failed” or “no such host,” first check whether your device can access common websites and whether the client has custom DNS enabled. A node connection timeout isn’t necessarily a DNS issue.
- Note your original settings first, then switch manually configured DNS back to automatic. Reconnect to the network and test again.
- If the client has built-in DNS, use its recommended configuration. Avoid layering custom settings from the system, client, and browser at the same time.
- If “Secure DNS” is enabled in your browser, temporarily turn it off and try again. Restore it afterward if needed; there’s no need to leave it disabled.
Change only one setting at a time and use the same webpage to test, so you can tell which step made a difference. Don’t treat switching to a public DNS service as a universal fix for connection problems.
4. What should you do if only the browser won’t load pages?
If other apps work but a particular browser doesn’t, first try an incognito window, then temporarily disable proxy extensions and check whether the browser has its own proxy settings. Incognito mode doesn’t necessarily disable all extensions, so check their permissions as well.
If webpages load but you keep seeing CAPTCHAs or access-denied messages, the issue may be the reputation of the shared exit IP or the website’s security checks, rather than a completely disconnected node. Try another node and, if needed, clear cookies for that site only. If the problem persists, note the client version, error logs, network in use, and scope of the issue. Before sharing screenshots, hide your subscription link, node credentials, and personal information.