Why won’t my free node connect? This guide helps you distinguish between an unavailable node, a restricted network or exit IP, DNS resolution issues, and browser setting conflicts. It applies to clients such as Clash, V2Ray, and sing-box. Start with the basic connection checks, then identify the specific point of failure so you don’t keep switching nodes without finding the cause.
First, check: Is the node down, or can you just not open websites?
When a client shows “Started,” it usually means only that the local proxy is running—not that the remote node is available. A successful latency test also doesn’t guarantee that every website will load. Test two different websites with the same node, then try another app: if everything fails, check the node and proxy first. If only one website won’t load, the cause is more likely to be routing rules, the exit IP, or website restrictions.
Work through these basic checks in order
- Temporarily turn off the proxy and open a regular website to confirm that your Wi-Fi or mobile connection is working. On public Wi-Fi, complete the sign-in process first.
- Check your device’s date, time, and time zone, and turn on automatic syncing if possible. An incorrect time can cause TLS certificate verification to fail.
- Update the client through a trusted source and make sure it supports the node’s protocol. Don’t run multiple VPN or proxy apps at the same time.
- Update your subscription manually and check for messages about expiration, download failures, or parsing errors. A successful import only means the format is recognized; it doesn’t mean the node is still online.
- Switch to another node and temporarily test with global proxy mode. Make sure the system proxy or VPN/TUN is enabled, then restore your usual routing mode after testing.
Free nodes may become unavailable due to maintenance, heavy usage, or outdated public information. You can check the free nodes page on this site for updates, but don’t assume that “updated today” means a node will remain available. The only reliable measure is whether it actually connects in your client.
What problems can IP and DNS issues cause?
IP-related problems typically fall into two categories: your current network can’t connect to the node server, or the destination website restricts the node’s exit IP. Keep the same node and compare results over Wi-Fi and mobile data. If it fails only on one network, focus on that network’s settings. If most websites work but one says access is restricted, try a different exit IP instead of repeatedly reinstalling the client.
DNS converts domain names into IP addresses. Investigate DNS first only if the logs repeatedly show resolution failures or DNS timeouts; an error on a webpage alone isn’t enough to identify the cause. First restore the DNS settings recommended by your client, then restart the client and browser. If necessary, clear your system’s DNS cache. Don’t copy DNS addresses from unknown sources—different clients handle DNS resolution and routing differently.
If only your browser can’t open websites, check these settings
First, test in a private window or another browser. If that works, disable proxy and ad-blocking extensions one at a time, and check whether the browser uses a separate proxy. Private browsing doesn’t necessarily disable all extensions, so check their permissions. The browser’s “Secure DNS” setting may also use a different resolution path from your current proxy. You can temporarily change it and compare results, then restore the original setting when you’re done.
If only a specific website has problems, clear that site’s cache and cookies; there’s no need to clear all browsing data right away. A site asking you to verify your identity or saying that your region isn’t supported doesn’t necessarily mean the node is disconnected.
If it still doesn’t work, check the logs before asking for help
Note the client name and version, network type, whether all nodes fail, and any timeout, resolution failure, or handshake errors in the logs. Change only one setting at a time so you can tell what helped. Before sharing screenshots, hide subscription links, node passwords, UUIDs, and other sensitive information. Don’t install certificates from unknown sources or disable security protections to “fix” the connection.