This guide covers “how to import a subscription into Clash” and common issues such as websites not loading after import, your IP address not changing, DNS leaks, and browsers still connecting directly. It’s intended for first-time users of Clash clients. Follow the steps to import a subscription, enable the proxy, and perform some basic checks.
1. Basic steps for importing a Clash subscription
A Clash subscription is usually a URL containing configurations for multiple available nodes. You can use a compatible client such as Clash Verge, Clash Meta for Android, or ClashX. The interface labels may differ slightly, but the process is essentially the same.
- Install the Clash client for your operating system, choosing the appropriate version for Windows, macOS, or Android.
- Open the client and find the “Profiles / Configuration / Subscription” section.
- Click “New Profile / Add Subscription / Import from URL”.
- Paste the subscription link. You can name it “freevpn-x” or choose a custom name.
- Click Download, Update, or Save, then wait for the configuration to finish loading.
- Go to the proxy page and select a node or use an automatic selection group.
- Enable “System Proxy”. Switch to Global mode only if you need to route all traffic through the proxy.
We compile free nodes for testing and tutorials on using subscriptions. However, the stability of free nodes can vary depending on your network environment, so try switching between a few nodes after importing.
2. Why hasn’t my IP address changed after importing?
Importing a subscription into Clash only adds the node list to the client; it doesn’t mean that all your traffic is being proxied. Make sure the client is running, the system proxy is enabled, and your current rules route the target website through the proxy.
Common modes include Rule, Global, and Direct. Rule mode routes traffic according to rules, so domestic websites may still show your local IP. Global mode typically routes all traffic through the selected node, while Direct bypasses the proxy. For testing, temporarily switch to Global mode and visit an IP lookup website to see if your IP changes. Once you’ve confirmed the connection works, switch back to Rule mode.
3. How DNS and your browser environment affect things
Sometimes your IP address changes, but websites still won’t load. This may be due to DNS resolution issues. DNS translates domain names into IP addresses. If your system DNS is compromised or your browser uses its own secure DNS, it may bypass Clash.
- If you enable DNS or enhanced mode in Clash settings, stick with the client’s recommended default configuration where possible.
- If your browser’s “Use secure DNS” option is enabled, turn it off and test again.
- Avoid running multiple proxies, accelerators, or VPNs at the same time to prevent port conflicts.
- On mobile, make sure Clash has VPN permission and is allowed to run in the background.
Browser cache, cookies, and WebRTC can also reveal information about your previous environment. To troubleshoot, try opening the site in a private window or using another browser. This helps avoid mistaking account security checks for an unavailable node.
4. What to do if the subscription won’t update or the connection fails
If the download fails, first check that the subscription link is complete and that you haven’t copied any spaces or line breaks. Then try switching networks, such as moving from Wi-Fi to mobile data. A node latency of -1 doesn’t necessarily mean that all nodes are down; the test address may simply be blocked. Try connecting directly.
If the connection fails, work through these steps in order: update the subscription, switch nodes, change modes, restart the client, and reset the system proxy. Windows users should also check whether their security software is blocking Clash. macOS users should make sure they’ve granted network access, while Android users should check that battery-saving settings aren’t closing the app in the background.
In summary, importing a Clash subscription comes down to “adding the subscription URL, updating the configuration, selecting a node, and enabling the system proxy.” When troubleshooting, don’t just look at the node name. Check your IP address, DNS, browser environment, and proxy mode as well. This makes it easier to pinpoint most issues that prevent a subscription from working after import.