This article addresses the practical question of how to import nodes into sing-box. It explains the differences between subscription links, node share links, and configuration files, how to import and connect, and how to tell whether a problem is caused by the IP, DNS, or browser environment. sing-box clients have different interfaces across operating systems, so the steps below refer to features by name; the exact buttons depend on your version.
1. First, identify what you have
Install a sing-box GUI client for your operating system, preferably from the project’s official release page or a trusted app store. The sing-box core itself does not come with a standard GUI, so buttons shown in online tutorials may not match your software.
- Subscription URL: Usually an HTTPS link. It may return a complete configuration or just a list of nodes, so you cannot determine compatibility from the URL alone.
- Share link: For example, a link starting with vless://, vmess://, or trojan://. The client must support parsing that format.
- Configuration file: Usually in JSON format. Make sure it is intended for sing-box and is compatible with your current core version.
Do not assume a Clash subscription can be used as a sing-box configuration. If the provider offers a format option, choose sing-box. For our free nodes, check the format instructions and last-updated date first.
2. Import nodes according to the type of information you have
- Open the client and go to “Configuration,” “Profiles,” or a similar page, then click Add.
- If you have a remote configuration URL, choose “Remote” or “Import from URL,” paste the full link, enter a name, then download and save it. If the update fails, check for missing characters in the URL or expired access credentials.
- If you have a JSON file, choose “Import from local file.” If you only have configuration text, save it as a .json file first, then import it. Do not simply change the extension of a share link and pass it off as a configuration.
- If you have a single share link, check whether the software offers “Import from clipboard” or “Add node.” If not, ask the provider for a compatible configuration; do not follow instructions intended for another client.
- Select the imported configuration, validate it, and start the connection. The first time you use it, allow VPN access if prompted, or enable the system proxy mode provided by the client. You do not need to enable both without checking.
Do not submit links containing subscription tokens or passwords to untrusted online conversion sites. If the configuration returns an error, update the client first and check which version the provider requires. Avoid deleting fields you do not recognize.
3. After importing, how to confirm it actually works
“Imported” only means the information was saved; it does not guarantee that the node is online. First, check the logs for configuration parsing errors or connection timeouts, then visit a commonly used HTTPS website. To check your exit IP, use a trusted IP lookup site. Whether the IP changes depends on the routing rules; not all websites necessarily use the proxy.
Nodes, DNS, and the browser environment are separate parts of the setup: The node determines the exit IP for proxied traffic; DNS resolves domain names; browser extensions, standalone proxies, and encrypted DNS settings can change the route. Incognito mode does not automatically change your IP.
4. Check connection failures in this order
First, disable any other VPN or proxy software, make sure your device’s clock is correct, then update the subscription and try another available node. If no websites open, check VPN permissions, system proxy settings, and the configuration logs. If only some domains fail, check your routing rules, DNS settings, and browser extensions; you can also test in another browser.
Save a copy of the original configuration before making changes, and adjust only one setting at a time. If you share logs when asking for help, hide subscription URLs, tokens, and account details. Free nodes may become unavailable, so a successful import does not guarantee a stable, long-term connection.