Clash Setup Guide

The complete beginner's setup guide from Clash Official Site. From download to import, node selection, and proxy activation – takes just minutes and requires no technical background.

Prerequisites

Before you start, you'll need two things:

  • Clash client: The client for your operating system, available for free on our download page.
  • Subscription link (Subscribe URL): Provided by your proxy service provider, in the form https://example.com/api/v1/subscribe?token=.... Clash does not provide nodes – they come from your subscription.
If you don't have a subscription link yet, get one from your proxy service provider. Use legitimate channels and for lawful purposes only.

01Download & Install the Client

Visit our download page and choose the right client for your device:

  • Windows / macOS / Linux: We recommend Clash Verge Rev and similar GUI clients – user-friendly and ready to use out of the box.
  • Android: Try ClashMeta for Android and similar clients. Download the APK and follow the on-screen prompts to install.
  • iOS: Download a Clash-compatible client from the App Store.
If macOS blocks the app on first launch, go to System Settings → Privacy & Security and click "Open Anyway".

02Import Your Subscription Link

Once installed and opened, import your subscription (exact steps may vary by client, but the process is the same):

  1. Copy the subscription link from your provider.
  2. Open the client and navigate to Profiles / Subscriptions.
  3. Click New / Import and paste the subscription link into the input field.
  4. Confirm, and the client will automatically download and parse the config. Once imported, you'll see a list of proxy nodes.
We recommend enabling auto-update (e.g. every 24 hours) so your nodes sync automatically without manual intervention.

03Understanding Proxy Modes

Clash offers three proxy modes. Understanding them helps you control your traffic more effectively:

  • Rule: Intelligent routing based on your config – trusted/local traffic connects directly, restricted or geo-blocked content goes through the proxy. Recommended for beginners.
  • Global: All traffic goes through the proxy. Use when you need everything proxied.
  • Direct: All traffic bypasses the proxy. Effectively disables proxying.

The routing logic in Rule mode looks like this:

# Rule example (excerpt) - DOMAIN-SUFFIX,local,DIRECT # local domains connect directly - GEOIP,PRIVATE,DIRECT # private/LAN IPs connect directly - MATCH,PROXY # all other traffic goes through proxy

04Select a Node & Enable Proxy

  1. On the client's Proxies page, pick a low-latency node (click to run a speed test).
  2. Switch the mode to Rule.
  3. Enable the System Proxy toggle; on mobile, enable the VPN / Tunnel.
  4. Open a browser and test by visiting a site you expect to route via proxy. If it loads normally, your setup is complete.
To route all app traffic through the proxy – including apps that bypass system proxy settings – enable TUN mode for global transparent proxying.

Advanced Tips

Subscription Updates & Node Management

When your provider updates nodes, click Update on the subscriptions page to sync. With auto-update enabled, this happens automatically.

Node Latency Testing

Most clients support one-click speed testing. Prioritize low-latency, stable nodes for the best experience.

Custom Rule Routing

Advanced users can add custom rules in the config to route specific domains or apps through a designated proxy group or direct connection for fine-grained traffic control.

Running into issues?

If you encounter issues like no internet connection or node timeouts, check our FAQ for troubleshooting, or go back to the download page to try a different client.

Ready to get started?

Download the Clash client from Clash Official Site, follow the steps above to import your subscription, and get online in minutes.

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