This guide answers the question “How do I import nodes into sing-box?” It covers importing via subscription link, adding a single node manually, testing after updating nodes, and why you should also check your IP, DNS, and browser environment after connecting. It’s written for everyday users trying sing-box for the first time.
1. What to prepare before importing
sing-box is a proxy core. Many users access it through a GUI client, such as an Android, Windows, or macOS client that supports the sing-box core. Button names vary slightly between clients, but the general process is the same: install the client, import a subscription or node, then select a server and connect.
- Get a working node link or subscription link. Common formats include vless, vmess, trojan, ss, and sing-box configuration subscriptions.
- Make sure your system clock is correct. An incorrect time can cause TLS handshake failures.
- If you’re using this site’s free nodes, we recommend copying the “subscription URL” so you can update them more easily later.
2. Import nodes using a subscription link
Subscriptions are the easiest option for beginners, since you don’t have to copy nodes one by one when updating them. Follow these steps:
- Open the sing-box client and go to the “Configuration,” “Subscriptions,” or “Profiles” page.
- Click “Add subscription,” “Import from URL,” or “New profile.”
- Paste the subscription link and give it a memorable name, such as “freevpn-x.”
- Save it, then click “Update subscription” or “Update” and wait for the client to fetch the node list.
- Return to the home screen, select a node, and click Connect or Start.
If no nodes appear after importing, first check that you copied the entire link, especially the https:// at the beginning. Some clients require you to click “Refresh subscription” manually instead of updating automatically after you paste the link.
3. Manually import a single node
If you only have one node link, you can import it manually. In the client, look for options such as “Import from clipboard,” “Scan QR code,” or “Add manually.” Copy the entire vless://, trojan://, or ss:// link, and the client will identify the protocol, server address, port, and encryption settings automatically. Once imported, leave the settings unchanged and test the connection first. After it connects successfully, you can rename the node or change its group if needed.
Note that sing-box is strict about configuration formats. If you’re importing a JSON configuration, make sure it’s complete and compatible with your client. For most users, a subscription or share link is the better choice, as it avoids startup issues caused by formatting errors.
4. Why check your IP, DNS, and browser environment after importing
A successful connection doesn’t necessarily mean your browsing environment is leak-free. Visit an IP lookup site to check whether your exit IP has changed. If it still shows your local network, the proxy may not be routing your system traffic. Check whether the mode is set to Global, Rules, or TUN.
DNS can also affect your browsing. With a DNS leak, websites may still see DNS requests from your local internet provider. We recommend enabling remote DNS, FakeIP, or anti-leak options in the client settings. The exact names vary by client.
Your browser environment matters too. Browser cache, cookies, WebRTC, language, and time zone can all reveal information about your previous environment. To test a node, use a private window or temporarily disable features related to WebRTC leaks. Avoid frequently switching between nodes in different regions while logging in to the same account, as this may trigger security checks.
5. Quick troubleshooting for connection failures
- Subscription update fails: Check whether your network can access the subscription URL, or try again on another network.
- Node times out: Try another node from the same subscription. Free nodes may be temporarily congested or unavailable.
- Connected, but webpages won’t load: Switch to Global mode, check your DNS settings, and restart your browser.
- Client reports an error on startup: Delete the configuration you just imported, then copy and reimport the complete link.
In short, subscription links are the recommended way to import nodes into sing-box, with manual import as a fallback for a single node. After connecting, check your IP, DNS, and browser environment to confirm that the proxy is actually working. If you run into problems, troubleshoot in this order: subscription, node, mode, DNS, and browser.