This article explains how to import a subscription into Clash and troubleshoot common issues after importing, such as no internet access, an incorrect IP address, DNS leaks, or websites not loading in your browser. It’s suitable for everyday users who have just received a Clash subscription link, a free node subscription, or a VPN provider subscription. Just follow the steps to complete the setup.
1. Basic steps for importing a Clash subscription
Client names may vary—Clash for Windows, Clash Verge, Clash Meta, ClashX, or Clash for Android—but the basic process is similar: add the subscription, update the configuration, then select a node and enable the proxy.
- Copy your subscription link. It usually starts with http or https. Make sure there are no extra spaces.
- Open the Clash client and go to Profiles, Configuration, Subscriptions, or the configuration files page.
- Click New, Import, Download, or “Import from URL.”
- Paste the subscription link and enter an easy-to-recognize name, such as “freevpn-x free nodes.”
- Click Save or Download and wait for the configuration file to finish updating.
- Go back to the Proxies page and select an available node.
- Enable System Proxy. If necessary, enable Tun mode as well.
If the free node subscription provided by this site is temporarily unavailable, try updating it manually or switching to another node for testing. Avoid repeatedly clicking Import.
2. Why check your IP, DNS, and browser settings after importing
Many people assume that a successful subscription import means they can automatically access the internet through the proxy, but this also depends on your local network settings. First, check your IP: after connecting to a node, visit an IP lookup website to confirm that your public IP matches the node’s region. If you still see your local IP, the system proxy may not be enabled, your browser may not be using the proxy, or the current rules may not match your traffic.
Next, check DNS. DNS translates domain names into IP addresses. If DNS requests still go through your local network, websites may not load, your region may be detected incorrectly, or DNS leaks may occur. If your Clash client has DNS options, most users can start with the default settings. If you have trouble resolving domains, try enabling the enhanced mode or switching between fake-ip and normal mode. Remember to restart the proxy after making changes.
Finally, check your browser settings. Chrome, Edge, and Firefox may have proxy extensions installed that conflict with Clash. For testing, disable other proxy, VPN, and accelerator extensions, then try visiting a website in an incognito or private window. If Firefox is the only browser that can’t connect, check whether it has separate proxy settings and switch it to use the system proxy.
3. Common problems and how to fix them
- Subscription won’t download: Check that the link is complete and hasn’t expired, and that your network can access the subscription URL. Try updating it on a different network.
- Nodes are listed but won’t connect: Switch nodes, update the subscription, and make sure the client’s core isn’t outdated.
- Websites won’t load even though the client shows as connected: Enable the system proxy, disable other proxy extensions, and reopen your browser.
- IP address hasn’t changed: Make sure the current mode isn’t Direct. Try Rule or Global mode and select a specific node.
- Some websites load, but others don’t: This is usually related to rules, DNS, or node availability. Try switching to Global mode to compare.
4. Recommended troubleshooting order
If you’re new to Clash, follow this order: import the subscription, update the configuration, select a node, enable the system proxy, test your IP, test websites, then check DNS. Don’t run multiple VPN or proxy tools at the same time, as this can cause port conflicts and routing issues. If you’re using public Wi-Fi or a company network, proxy connections may be restricted; try connecting through your phone’s hotspot to check.
In short, importing a subscription into Clash is straightforward. The key is to make sure that your node selection, system proxy, outgoing IP, DNS resolution, and browser proxy settings are all configured correctly. Checking each one in turn can help you identify most issues where the subscription imports successfully but still doesn’t work.