This guide explains how to import a subscription into Clash and troubleshoot issues such as websites still being inaccessible, your IP not changing, DNS leaks, or unusual browser behavior after importing. It’s intended for everyday users who have just received a free proxy subscription link and want to get started quickly with a Clash client on Windows, macOS, or Android.
1. What to prepare before importing a subscription
A Clash subscription is usually a URL containing multiple nodes and rule configurations. You can use a free proxy subscription curated on this site or a subscription URL you already have. Before importing it, make sure the link is complete, contains no extra spaces, and your client can connect to the internet.
- Windows/macOS: Popular clients include Clash Verge and successor versions of Clash for Windows.
- Android: You can use compatible clients such as Clash Meta for Android.
- iOS: Clash-style clients are limited, so you may want to consider an alternative tool that supports the Clash subscription format.
2. General steps for importing a Clash subscription
- Open the Clash client and go to the Profiles / Configurations page.
- Click New, Add, or “Import from URL.” The button name varies slightly between clients.
- Paste the subscription link. Give the configuration a recognizable name, such as “freevpn-x nodes for today.”
- Click Download, Update, or “Save and Update,” then wait for the configuration to download.
- Return to the Proxies page and select a node or an automatic speed-test group.
- Enable System Proxy and, if needed, turn on TUN mode.
If the import succeeds but no nodes appear, the subscription link may have expired, your network may be unable to reach the subscription URL, or the client may not support that subscription format. Try opening the link in a browser. If it returns configuration text, the link itself is probably working.
3. How subscriptions, IPs, DNS, and browser environments are related
Many users assume that importing a subscription automatically cleans up their entire online environment. That’s not the case. Clash mainly routes traffic to proxy nodes according to rules. The IP a website sees usually depends on the node you select. If no rule matches or the system proxy is disabled, the website may still see your local IP.
DNS affects domain name resolution. If DNS requests still go through your local network, you may run into access problems, DNS poisoning, or a mismatch in your apparent location. We recommend enabling the client’s built-in DNS or TUN mode and avoiding running multiple proxy apps at the same time.
Your browser environment also includes your language, time zone, WebRTC, cookies, and account sign-in history. Even if your proxy IP has changed, your browser fingerprint may still reveal unusual activity. For everyday browsing, you generally only need to clear your cache, prevent WebRTC leaks, or use a separate browser profile—there’s no need to overcomplicate things.
4. Quick troubleshooting for connection failures
- Subscription won’t update: Check whether the link has expired. Turn off the proxy before updating, or try again on a different network.
- Node times out: Switch to another node. This is common with unstable free nodes.
- Websites won’t open in your browser, but the app says it’s connected: Make sure the system proxy is enabled and that your browser isn’t configured to connect directly.
- Your IP hasn’t changed: Check whether the current mode is Rule or Global, and whether the rules are sending the target website’s traffic directly.
- DNS problems: Enable Clash DNS, clear your browser’s DNS cache, and restart the client if needed.
If you’re new to Clash, start with Global mode to test the connection. Once you’ve confirmed that you can access the internet, switch back to Rule mode. This makes it easy to tell whether the problem is with the node, subscription, rules, or browser settings.
5. Tips for using Clash
Importing a subscription into Clash is straightforward. The key is to understand that the subscription provides nodes, the proxy mode determines how traffic is routed, and DNS and browser settings affect the results. For everyday use, keep your subscription updated, avoid running multiple proxy clients at once, and troubleshoot issues by checking your IP, DNS, and browser settings. This should resolve most connection problems.