This article answers the question “How do I import nodes into sing-box?” You’ll learn how to import nodes using a subscription link or configuration file, and understand how your IP, DNS, and browser environment can affect what you see after connecting. It’s intended for everyday users trying sing-box for the first time.
1. Before you import: check what you have
sing-box is a proxy core, and the interface may vary between clients. For example, graphical clients on Windows, Android, iOS, and macOS may use different names for the same options, but the import process is broadly similar. First, check what type of node information you have:
- Subscription link: Usually a URL beginning with https that the client can use to fetch multiple nodes automatically.
- Single share link: May use a format such as vless://, vmess://, or trojan://.
- JSON configuration file: Usually a .json file containing fields such as outbounds, dns, and route.
If you’re using the free nodes provided on this site, importing via a subscription link is usually the best option. If your client doesn’t support subscriptions, try copying a single node or importing a JSON file instead.
2. General steps for importing nodes into sing-box
- Install a client that supports sing-box and grant it VPN or network proxy permissions.
- Open the client and look for an option such as “Configuration,” “Subscription,” “Profiles,” or “Config.”
- Select “Add subscription” and paste in the subscription link. You can name it freevpn-x or choose your own name.
- Click Update, Sync, or Download configuration, then wait for the node list to appear.
- Select a node and click Start, Connect, or Enable proxy.
- Open a browser and visit an IP lookup site to check whether your public IP has changed.
If you’re importing a JSON file, select an option such as “Import from file.” After importing, avoid changing fields you don’t understand—especially DNS, route, and inbounds—as this may leave you connected but unable to open webpages.
3. Why webpages won’t load even though the import succeeded
Successfully importing a node doesn’t necessarily mean it will work properly. Your IP, DNS, and browser environment also need to be taken into account. First, check your IP: after connecting, visit an IP lookup site. If it still shows your local IP, the client may not be routing your traffic. The system VPN permission may be disabled, or your browser may be connecting directly.
Next, check DNS. DNS translates domain names into IP addresses. If your local ISP is still handling DNS requests, you may encounter DNS pollution, failed lookups, or incorrect location detection. If this happens, enable “Remote DNS” or “Prevent DNS leaks” in the client, or use the default DNS settings in the configuration. Beginners should avoid combining multiple DNS tools.
Finally, consider your browser environment. Some websites use cookies, language, time zone, WebRTC, and previous login activity to assess your environment. Even when the proxy is working, an old cache may cause unexpected results. Try testing in a private browsing window, clear the target website’s cookies if needed, and disable third-party proxy extensions in your browser to avoid conflicts with sing-box.
4. Common troubleshooting checklist
- Subscription won’t update: Check that the link is complete and hasn’t expired, and that your network can reach the subscription URL.
- Nodes appear but won’t connect: Try another node and check that your system time is correct.
- Connected but very slow: Switch nodes or protocols, and don’t run multiple VPN or proxy apps at the same time.
- No effect in the browser: Check whether the system proxy or TUN/VPN mode is enabled.
- Only some websites won’t open: Try switching to global mode to see whether the issue is caused by routing rules.
In short, when importing nodes into sing-box, first identify whether you have a subscription, a share link, or a JSON file, then add it using the appropriate option in your client. After connecting, troubleshoot step by step by checking your IP, testing DNS, and using a private browser window. For beginners, keeping the configuration simple and changing just one setting at a time makes problems much easier to pinpoint.