This guide explains how to import a Clash subscription into a client and connect correctly. It also covers why a node may appear to work even though webpages won’t load, your IP address hasn’t changed, or your browser is still leaking DNS. It’s intended for first-time users of Clash, Clash Verge, and Clash for Windows–style clients.
1. What to prepare before importing a subscription
A Clash “subscription” is usually a URL containing multiple proxy nodes and routing rules. You can use a subscription you purchased, or try the free nodes on this site. Before importing, make sure the client is installed, the subscription URL is complete, and your system clock is correct.
- Client: On Windows, you can use Clash Verge Rev or the older Clash for Windows. Clash Verge Rev is also available for macOS and Linux.
- Subscription URL: It usually starts with http or https. Make sure you copy the full URL, not just a node name.
- Network environment: Close other VPN or proxy software first to avoid port conflicts.
2. How to import a subscription into Clash
The interface varies slightly between clients, but the process is generally the same. Here’s an example using a typical Clash GUI client:
- Open the Clash client and go to “Profiles,” “Configuration,” or “Subscriptions.”
- Click “New,” “Add,” “Import Subscription,” or the plus icon in the upper-right corner.
- Paste the subscription URL into the URL field. Enter “freevpn” or another name of your choice.
- Click “Download,” “Update,” or “Save,” and wait for the configuration file to finish downloading.
- Return to the “Proxies” page and select a node. To start, choose one with a low latency and a clear name.
- Go to “General” or the home page and turn on System Proxy. If needed, enable “Start with system.”
If the subscription imports but shows no nodes, the URL may be incomplete, the subscription may have expired, the subscription address may be unreachable, or the client may not support its format. Try opening the URL in a browser to test it: if the text downloads but the client fails, the issue is probably format compatibility. If the browser can’t open it either, check your network or try another subscription.
3. How your IP, DNS, and browser environment are related
Many users assume that connecting to Clash means all their traffic is routed through the proxy, but this also depends on the mode and browser settings. Clash commonly offers three modes: Rule, Global, and Direct. Rule routes traffic according to rules, Global routes all traffic through the proxy, and Direct connects without a proxy. If you’re new to Clash, switch to Global first to check whether your IP changes, then switch back to Rule for regular use.
DNS can also affect your browsing experience. If a webpage reports that your region is incorrect, DNS resolution fails, or certain sites won’t load, your system may still be using your ISP’s DNS, or your browser may have its own secure DNS enabled. You can enable DNS in Clash’s settings. Also check the “Secure DNS / DNS over HTTPS” setting in Chrome, Edge, or Firefox. You can temporarily turn it off while testing to avoid conflicts with Clash’s rules.
Your browser environment also includes cache, cookies, WebRTC, and account region settings. Even if your IP has changed, a website may infer your location from your sign-in history. When troubleshooting, use an incognito window or test with a clean browser. Check your IP on at least two different websites to compare results; don’t rely on just one.
4. Quick troubleshooting for connection issues
- Subscription won’t update: Check that the URL is complete, or try opening it in a browser.
- All nodes time out: Switch networks, close other proxy software, and update the subscription again.
- Connected but webpages won’t load: Make sure system proxy is enabled and switch to Global mode for testing.
- IP hasn’t changed: Your browser may not be using the system proxy. Check for proxy extensions or browser-specific proxy settings.
- DNS issues: Turn off your browser’s secure DNS, or enable DNS in Clash and restart the client.
In short, importing a Clash subscription is straightforward. The key is to make sure the subscription is valid, you’ve selected the right node, system proxy is enabled, and your DNS and browser settings are aligned. Follow the steps above to identify and resolve most import and connection issues.