Why won’t free nodes connect? This guide helps you tell the difference between an unavailable node, a proxy that isn’t active in your client, DNS resolution issues, and browser-related problems, then troubleshoot them in order. It applies to clients such as Clash, V2Ray, and sing-box. There’s no need to change complicated settings right away or reinstall the software as a first step.
First, figure out: Is the node down, or are only web pages failing to load?
When a client shows “Connected,” it usually means only that the proxy has started—not that the remote node is working. A successful latency test also doesn’t mean every website will load properly. First identify the scope of the problem, then change settings to avoid breaking a configuration that was working.
- Turn off the proxy and check that regular websites load. If they don’t, check your Wi-Fi, mobile network, or router first.
- Turn on the client, manually select a node, and visit two different websites. Note whether they both fail or only one does.
- Check the logs for messages such as timeouts, resolution failures, or authentication failures. Before sharing logs, hide your subscription URL, password, and token.
- Repeat the test with another node, changing only one thing at a time to make it easier to identify the cause.
Step 1: Check whether your subscription and nodes are still valid
Free nodes may become unavailable because of maintenance, traffic limits, increased usage, or expired shares. Update your subscription in the client, then select a node again. A successful import only means the client can read the configuration; it doesn’t guarantee that the server is online. If you’re importing manually, check that the link is complete and that your client supports the protocol.
If only one node fails, try another first. If all nodes in the same subscription fail, check whether the provider has posted an update. When using the free nodes on this site, judge them by whether they actually connect. Don’t submit your subscription link to unfamiliar testing websites, as this could expose your access credentials.
Step 2: Distinguish local network issues from exit IP issues
If the same node fails on Wi-Fi but works on mobile data, the problem may be related to your current network, router settings, or carrier routing. That alone doesn’t prove the node has been blocked. Start by turning off any other VPNs, accelerators, or proxy tools that might conflict.
If most websites work but one shows an access denied message, a CAPTCHA, or a regional restriction, the issue is more likely related to the exit IP’s reputation or the website’s risk controls. That’s different from the node being completely unreachable. Try another node to check; repeatedly refreshing the page or clearing all your settings won’t solve it.
Step 3: Check DNS and proxy routing
If the logs show “domain resolution failed,” check DNS next. First restore the DNS settings recommended by your client, and make sure your system doesn’t have an outdated manual DNS setting. If the problem occurs only in your browser, temporarily turn off the browser’s “Secure DNS” setting as a test, then restore the original setting. Don’t change DNS in your system, client, and browser all at once.
On desktop, check that the system proxy is enabled. On mobile, confirm that the VPN permission has been granted. A system proxy may not route traffic from every app, so if needed, check the client’s instructions for TUN or VPN mode. Don’t enable unfamiliar scripts blindly.
Step 4: Rule out browser-related issues
Test in a private window and temporarily disable proxy extensions; some extensions may still run in private windows. If another browser works, focus on the original browser’s proxy extensions, cache, and site data. If only one website is affected, clear that site’s data first—you don’t need to erase all your browsing history.
Keep to this order: check your local connection, update your subscription, try another node, try another network, then check DNS and your browser. If you still can’t identify the problem, provide the client version, system version, and redacted error details. Don’t share your full node link publicly.