This guide answers the question “How do I import nodes into sing-box?” It’s for users who have just installed the sing-box client and aren’t sure how to use a free node or subscription link. Using a typical graphical client as an example, we’ll cover how to import, enable, and test nodes, as well as why your IP, DNS, and browser environment can affect the results.
1. First, check what you have before importing a node
sing-box supports multiple proxy protocols, but the interface varies slightly between clients. Before importing, identify which of these you have:
- Subscription link: Usually starts with http or https. It imports multiple nodes at once and can be updated later.
- Single node link: Common formats include vless://, vmess://, trojan://, and ss://.
- Configuration file: Usually a json file, suitable for importing a complete configuration directly.
If you’re using the free nodes provided on this site, we recommend using the subscription method. That way, when nodes change, you only need to click “Update subscription” instead of copying individual links again.
2. General steps for importing nodes into sing-box
- Install and open a client that supports sing-box, such as a graphical sing-box client for Windows, Android, or iOS.
- Go to the “Configuration,” “Subscription,” or “Profiles” page and find the add button.
- To import from a URL, paste the subscription link. To import from the clipboard, first copy a single node link.
- Save, then click update or download the configuration and wait for the client to parse the nodes.
- Select a node from the list and turn on the proxy.
- Visit an IP lookup site in your browser to check whether your exit IP has changed.
For a json configuration file, choose “Import from file” in most clients. Once imported, enable the configuration. Don’t paste a subscription link into the “Manual JSON editing” area, or you may get a format error.
3. How IP, DNS, and your browser environment are connected
After a successful import, many people still feel that “it isn’t working.” This usually comes down to three things. First, your IP: the exit IP will change only when the proxy is enabled and your browser traffic is routed through sing-box. Second, DNS: if DNS still goes through your local network, you may encounter DNS poisoning, inaccessible websites, or incorrect location detection. Third, your browser environment: cached data, cookies, the region associated with your signed-in account, and WebRTC can all cause websites to keep identifying your previous environment.
When testing, we recommend using a private window, turning off other proxy software, and clearing the target website’s cookies. If the client offers “System proxy” and “TUN mode” options, start with the system proxy. If some apps don’t use the proxy, try TUN mode. If you run into DNS issues, enable the client’s built-in DNS or use its recommended configuration. Avoid mixing multiple proxy tools indiscriminately.
4. Quick troubleshooting for connection failures
- Subscription won’t update: Check that the link is complete and that your network can reach the subscription URL.
- Node imports but won’t connect: Try another node. Free nodes may be temporarily unavailable.
- Websites won’t open in your browser: Make sure the system proxy is enabled, or try switching between rule mode and global mode.
- Certificate or time errors: Check that the system time on your phone or computer is correct.
- Only some websites are having issues: Clear the DNS and browser caches, then try again in a private window.
In short, importing nodes into sing-box comes down to identifying the link type, importing it correctly, updating the subscription, selecting a node, and enabling the proxy. If things don’t work as expected after importing, don’t focus only on the node itself. Also check whether your IP has changed, whether DNS is being handled correctly, and whether your browser is retaining old data.