This guide explains how to import a subscription into Clash and troubleshoot issues that may occur afterward, such as connection failures, websites not loading, an unexpected IP address, DNS leaks, or inconsistencies in your browser environment. It’s suitable for first-time Clash users and anyone who has a free node or subscription link but isn’t sure how to import it correctly.
1. What to prepare before importing a subscription
Clash is a client that requires a working subscription link or configuration file. A subscription is usually a URL containing multiple nodes, rules, and proxy groups. You can use your own subscription or check out the free nodes page on this site. Keep in mind that free nodes may become unreliable over time, so update your subscription if a node stops working.
- Make sure you have installed Clash Verge, Clash for Windows, Clash Meta, or another compatible client.
- Get a complete subscription link, which usually starts with http or https.
- Check that your device’s clock is correct and that no other software is using the system proxy.
- Close any redundant proxy tools to avoid running multiple VPNs or proxies at the same time.
2. How to import a subscription into Clash: General steps
- Open the Clash client and go to the “Profiles,” “Configuration,” or “Subscription” page.
- Click “New,” “Add,” “Import from URL,” or a similar button.
- Paste the subscription link into the URL field. You can enter a custom name, such as “freevpn-x nodes.”
- Click Download, Save, or Update, then wait for the configuration to finish loading.
- Go to the “Proxies” page and select a node or an automatic speed-test proxy group.
- Turn on “System Proxy” and, if needed, enable “TUN Mode” as well.
- Test by opening a website. If it doesn’t load, try another node and then update the subscription.
If the client reports a YAML error, a download failure, or an empty configuration, the issue is usually not with the steps you followed. The subscription link may have expired, your network may be unable to access it, or you may have accidentally copied extra spaces along with the link.
3. How IP, DNS, and your browser environment are related
Many users assume that successfully importing a subscription is all it takes to get online, but you also need to consider whether your IP, DNS, and browser settings are working together. Your IP determines where websites think you’re connecting from; DNS translates domain names into addresses; and your browser environment includes details such as language, time zone, WebRTC, and local cache.
Once connected, visit an IP lookup site to check your outgoing IP address. If it hasn’t changed, first check that Clash’s system proxy is enabled and that your browser is using the system proxy. If only some websites won’t load, the proxy rules may not be routing their traffic through a proxy. Temporarily switch to Global mode to test.
A DNS issue often shows up as a client that appears connected even though websites won’t load, or load very slowly. Try enabling the built-in DNS in Clash’s settings or switching to the enhanced mode recommended by your client. Avoid repeatedly changing DNS settings in your system, browser extensions, and other proxy software, as this can make troubleshooting more difficult.
4. How to troubleshoot connection problems after importing successfully
- Update the subscription first: Free nodes may expire, so click the Update button on the configuration page.
- Try another node: Different nodes in the same subscription may have different connection statuses.
- Switch modes: If Rule mode doesn’t work, switch to Global mode to check whether the connection works at all.
- Check for port conflicts: The browser’s proxy port must match the HTTP/SOCKS port shown in Clash.
- Disable browser proxy extensions: They may override your system proxy settings.
- Restart the client and browser: This clears old connections and cached DNS data.
If only one browser isn’t working, try a new incognito window or disable your browser extensions. If other apps on your system can’t connect either, check whether the system proxy was left enabled after you closed Clash. You can reopen Clash, turn off the system proxy, and then exit the client.
5. Tips for everyday use
Keep your subscription link somewhere secure and don’t share it publicly. Rule mode is generally fine for everyday use; switch to Global mode temporarily when troubleshooting access issues. If many nodes stop working, update your subscription and try another node instead of repeatedly reinstalling the client. With the steps above, you should be able to import a subscription into Clash, check your IP, and troubleshoot DNS and browser environment issues on your own.