This guide explains how to add a v2rayNG subscription and troubleshoot common issues after adding it, such as connection failures, websites not loading, or unusual IP or DNS results. It’s intended for Android users new to v2rayNG, as well as users who already have a subscription link but aren’t sure how to update it or switch nodes.
1. Basic steps for adding a v2rayNG subscription
v2rayNG is a popular Android client for V2Ray/VLESS/VMess. A subscription link is usually a URL beginning with https that contains configurations for multiple nodes. You can use a subscription you’ve purchased, or temporarily test the free nodes listed on this site. Keep in mind that the stability of free nodes depends on the connection routes and the number of users.
- Install v2rayNG on your Android phone. We recommend downloading the latest installer from a trusted source.
- Open v2rayNG, tap “+” in the top-right corner, and select “Subscription settings.”
- Tap “+” in the top-right corner. Enter an easy-to-recognize name in “Remarks,” such as “freevpn test.”
- Paste the subscription link into the “Address” field, making sure there are no spaces before or after it.
- Return to the main screen, tap the menu in the top-right corner, and select “Update subscription.”
- When the update completes, a list of nodes will appear. Select a node, then tap the connect button in the bottom-right corner.
If the list is empty after importing, the subscription address may have expired, your network may be unable to reach the subscription server, or the link may not have been copied in full. Try opening the subscription link in a browser. If you see a long string of text or a text file downloads automatically, the link is generally accessible.
2. How to check whether your IP has changed after connecting
A successful connection doesn’t necessarily mean all your apps are using the proxy correctly. The simplest way to check is to visit an IP lookup site in your browser and compare your exit IP before and after connecting. If the IP changes, the proxy is probably working. If you still see your local carrier’s IP, check the following:
- Does the v2rayNG main screen show “Connected,” and is there a VPN icon at the top of your phone screen?
- Is the selected node working? Try switching to another node.
- Is “Always-on VPN” enabled in Android, or is it conflicting with another VPN app?
- Is the routing mode mistakenly set to proxy only local network traffic or bypass too many rules?
Most users should start with the default routing settings and avoid frequently changing advanced parameters. If you only want to test your browser, close other proxies, accelerators, and security apps first to minimize interference.
3. How DNS and your browser environment can affect access
Some users find that their IP has changed after connecting, but websites still won’t load. A common cause is DNS resolution issues or browser cache problems. DNS translates domain names into IP addresses. If the result is corrupted or cached incorrectly, you may be “connected” but still unable to access websites.
Try these steps in order: First, enable “Local DNS” in v2rayNG settings, or leave it at the default. Next, switch your phone’s network—for example, from Wi-Fi to mobile data. Then clear your browser cache or test in incognito mode. If one browser doesn’t work, try Chrome, Firefox, or your system browser. Comparing browsers can help you determine whether the issue is caused by browser plugins, proxy extensions, or private DNS settings.
4. Common fixes for subscription update failures
Subscriptions aren’t permanent once imported; when nodes stop working, you need to select “Update subscription” again. If the update fails, copy the subscription link and add it again, making sure it contains no line breaks or Chinese punctuation. You can also turn off the proxy and try updating, since some subscription addresses can be accessed without one. If you’re using a free subscription, it’s normal for some nodes to be unavailable, so consider keeping several sources as backups.
Remember these three steps: First, make sure the subscription updates successfully; then confirm that a node connects; finally, check your IP, DNS, and browser environment. Troubleshooting in this order can help you identify most connection problems after adding a v2rayNG subscription.