This article explains how to import a subscription into Clash and troubleshoot common issues that may persist afterward, such as web pages not loading, your IP not changing, DNS leaks, or whether your browser is using the proxy. It’s intended for everyday users who have just received a subscription link, a free node, or a subscription from a VPN provider. Follow the steps to complete the setup.
1. Check your client before importing a subscription
There are several versions of Clash, such as Clash for Windows, Clash Verge, and Clash Meta clients. Their interfaces may differ slightly, but the basic process is the same: install the client, import a subscription, select a node, and enable the system proxy. We recommend using a Clash Meta/Verge-style client that is still maintained to avoid compatibility issues with rules in older versions.
- Copy your subscription link. It usually starts with https:// and is provided by your service provider or on our free nodes page.
- Open the Clash client and go to Profiles, Configuration, Subscriptions, or the configuration files page.
- Click New, Import, or Import from URL, then paste the subscription link.
- After saving, click Update to refresh the subscription, and wait for the configuration to finish downloading.
- Return to Proxies and select an available node or an automatic-selection policy group.
- Enable System Proxy, and enable Tun mode if needed.
If the import fails, first check that the subscription link is complete and that you haven’t copied any extra spaces. Then make sure your network can access the subscription URL. Some subscriptions need to be updated regularly; once they expire, the configuration may still be present but unable to connect.
2. Why hasn’t my IP changed after importing a subscription into Clash?
Importing a subscription doesn’t mean your connection is already working through the proxy. The subscription only adds nodes and rules to the client. For them to take effect, you need to select a node and enable the proxy. To test, visit an IP lookup website and check your public IP with the proxy off and on.
Common causes include your browser not using the system proxy, the system proxy not being enabled in Clash, the current rule treating the website as DIRECT, or the node itself being unavailable. To run a quick test, switch the mode to Global and see whether your IP changes. When you’re done, switch back to Rule mode to avoid routing all traffic through the proxy.
3. What should I do about DNS and my browser environment?
If you can access some websites but encounter location issues, more frequent CAPTCHAs, or DNS leaks, the cause may be DNS, browser cache, or WebRTC. Clash proxies network requests, but your browser environment can also affect how websites identify you.
- DNS: Prefer the client’s built-in DNS settings or Tun mode to prevent your system from sending DNS queries directly to your local ISP.
- Browser cache: After switching nodes, refresh the page or restart your browser. If necessary, clear the site’s cookies.
- WebRTC: Some browsers may expose your local IP. You can restrict WebRTC in your browser’s privacy settings or with an extension.
- Proxy mode: Rule mode is best for everyday use; Global mode is useful for troubleshooting; Direct mode bypasses the proxy.
4. Quick checklist for connection issues
If the import succeeds but you still can’t access websites, check the following in order: 1) Did the subscription update successfully? 2) Does the node show a latency value? 3) Have you selected a node rather than an empty policy group? 4) Is the system proxy enabled? 5) Is your computer’s clock correct? 6) Is your firewall or antivirus software blocking Clash? 7) Have you tried a different node? We maintain a list of free nodes that can be imported into Clash, but free resources can be unreliable, so we recommend keeping multiple subscriptions or backup nodes available.
In summary, importing a subscription into Clash involves more than just pasting a link. After importing, update the configuration, select a node, enable the system proxy, and check your IP, DNS, and browser environment. Follow the steps in this article to identify the cause of most issues where an imported subscription doesn’t work.