This article explains how to import nodes into v2rayNG and troubleshoot issues such as failing to connect, an unchanged IP address, DNS leaks, or webpages not loading in your browser. It’s for Android users who want to import a node, enable the proxy, and verify that their network is configured correctly.
1. Install v2rayNG and prepare your nodes
v2rayNG is a popular V2Ray/Xray client for Android that supports common protocols such as VMess, VLESS, Trojan, and Shadowsocks. Before installing it, get the latest APK from a trusted source and avoid modified versions from unknown sources. Nodes may be provided as a subscription link, an individual share link, or a QR code. This site also curates free nodes for testing, but their reliability depends on the number of users online and the status of the connection.
- Open v2rayNG and grant the required VPN permissions when prompted.
- Prepare your node details: a subscription URL, a vmess://, vless://, or trojan:// link, or a QR code image.
- Make sure your phone’s time is set to sync automatically. An incorrect time can cause TLS handshake failures.
2. Three ways to import nodes into v2rayNG
Method 1: Import a subscription. Tap “+” in the upper-right corner or open the menu, then select “Subscription settings.” Add a subscription URL, paste the link provided by your service provider or free-node page, and save it. Return to the main screen and select “Update subscription” from the menu. Once the update is complete, a list of nodes will appear.
Method 2: Import a link from the clipboard. Copy the full node link, open v2rayNG, tap “+” in the upper-right corner, and select “Import from clipboard.” If the link is formatted correctly, the node will appear in the list automatically. Make sure you haven’t copied any extra spaces, Chinese punctuation, or line breaks.
Method 3: Scan a QR code. Tap “+” in the upper-right corner, select “Scan QR code,” and point your camera at the node’s QR code. If the QR code is saved in your photo library, use another tool to extract the link, then import it from the clipboard.
3. How your connection relates to your IP, DNS, and browser
Importing a node doesn’t mean you’re connected yet. Select a node, then tap the circular button in the lower-right corner to start the connection. The client only takes over your traffic once the VPN icon appears in the status bar. You can then visit an IP lookup site to see whether your exit IP has changed. If it still shows your local IP, the client may not be running, VPN permission may have been denied, or your browser may be excluded from per-app proxying.
- IP: Use this to check whether your traffic is going through the proxy. After connecting, you should see the exit network associated with the node.
- DNS: DNS issues can let you connect while preventing domain names from loading. Enable remote DNS in settings or switch to a commonly used public DNS server.
- Browser: Browser cache, proxy extensions, Private DNS, and data-saving mode can all affect the results.
4. What to do if the node imports but won’t connect
First, long-press the node and select “Test current configuration” or “Test all configurations.” If the test times out, try another node. Errors mentioning certificates, TLS, Reality, or UUID usually mean the node details are incomplete or the node has expired. If you use a subscription, update it manually to remove outdated nodes from the list.
You can also troubleshoot in this order: turn v2rayNG off and back on; switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data; disable other VPNs, accelerators, or proxy apps; check your phone’s system time; clear your browser’s DNS cache; and try another browser, such as Chrome or Firefox. If only one app can’t connect, open “Per-app proxy” in v2rayNG and make sure that app hasn’t been excluded.
Keep in mind that free nodes are best suited for temporary testing and learning how to configure the app, and instability during peak hours is common. Knowing how to import nodes, update subscriptions, and check your IP and DNS makes it easier to identify whether an issue is caused by the node, the client settings, or your browser environment.