ClashX Subscription Link Configuration Tutorial: Complete Guide

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Understanding Subscription Links

Subscription links are the most convenient way to configure ClashX. With subscription links, you can import all nodes and configurations with one click, without manually adding each server.

A subscription link is a URL provided by your VPN service provider that contains all node information and configurations. When you import this link into ClashX, it automatically downloads and configures all nodes.

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What Is a Subscription Link?

A subscription link is a remote configuration URL. ClashX fetches it on a schedule to download the newest nodes, rules, and policy groups. When your provider updates the link, simply refresh in ClashX to sync the latest setup.

Benefits of Subscription Links

  • Automatic updates — no manual edits when nodes change.
  • Bulk import — add every available node in one action.
  • Config sync — keep every Mac using the same setup.
  • Easy maintenance — the provider maintains the config file.
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Security Note

Never share your subscription link! It contains your service information and credentials. Anyone with your subscription link can use your service.

Adding Subscription Links

Get Your Subscription Link

First, obtain the subscription link from your proxy service provider:

Step 1
Sign in to the provider dashboard.
Step 2
Locate the page that shows Clash/ClashX subscription links.
Step 3
Copy the Clash subscription URL to your clipboard.

Add Subscription in ClashX

Then add it inside ClashX with the following steps:

  1. Click the ClashX icon in the macOS menu bar.
  2. Choose “Config” → “Managed Config” → “Manage”.
  3. Click the “Add” button in the pop-up window.
  4. Paste the subscription URL into the input field.
  5. Give the config an easy-to-recognize name (for example “Provider A”).
  6. Press “OK” to save.
  7. Wait while ClashX downloads and loads the configuration.

Quick Add Tip

If the subscription link is already copied to clipboard, ClashX will automatically detect it and prompt you to add it. Just click "Confirm" to quickly add.

Verify the Subscription

After adding, confirm everything works correctly:

  • Open the “Proxy” menu and check that the new nodes are listed.
  • In “Managed Config”, the subscription status should display “Activated”.
  • Connect to any node to ensure the proxy works as expected.

Subscription Management

View Subscription Details

Use these actions to manage each subscription:

Action How to Do It Purpose
Update Subscription Click "Update" button Fetch the latest nodes
Edit Subscription Click "Edit" button Modify name or URL
Delete Subscription Click "Delete" button Remove unused subscription
Switch Subscription Select the subscription name Activate another configuration

Manual Updates

When you need to get the latest configuration immediately:

Update Steps

1. Open "Config" > "Remote Config" > "Manage"

2. Select subscription to update

3. Click "Update" button

4. Wait for update to complete, check update time

Subscription Update Log

View subscription update history and status:

  • Update time is displayed below subscription name
  • Error message will be shown when update fails
  • Detailed update records can be viewed in logs
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When Should You Refresh?

Refresh manually whenever nodes fail, the provider announces new routes, or you need the newest rule set.

Auto-Update Settings

Enable Auto-Update

Enable automatic updates to keep your subscription up to date:

Auto-Update Configuration

# Add parameters in the subscription URL (some providers support)
interval: 86400  # 24 hours (in seconds)

# or set in the config file
profile:
  update-interval: 24  # 24 hours

Recommended Frequency

Recommended auto-update settings:

Daily Update
86400 seconds
Weekly Update
604800 seconds
Monthly Update
2592000 seconds
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Update Frequency Tips

Avoid extremely high frequencies (for example, every hour). It adds load to the provider and rarely helps. Updating once every 24 hours is enough for most users.

Notification Settings

Choose how ClashX notifies you after each update:

  • Show a notification when the update succeeds.
  • Send an alert if the update fails.
  • Remind you when the node count changes.

Multi-Subscription Management

Add Multiple Subscriptions

ClashX can manage several subscription sources at the same time:

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Why Use More Than One Subscription?

Multiple sources provide redundancy, more node choices, region-specific routes, and a backup plan if your primary subscription goes down.

Set Subscription Priority

Organize subscriptions by role:

  • Primary subscription: nodes for day-to-day use.
  • Backup subscription: switch to it when the primary fails.
  • Dedicated subscription: special purposes such as gaming or streaming.

Merge Multiple Subscriptions

Use a subscription converter to combine several links:

How to Merge

1. Use an online converter (for example, Subconverter).

2. Enter each subscription link (separate them with “|”).

3. Generate the merged subscription URL.

4. Add the merged link back into ClashX.

Grouping Strategy

Create dedicated policy groups for each subscription:

Subscription Type Use Case Recommended Strategy
General Subscription General Browsing url-test
Streaming Subscription Video Streaming select
Gaming Subscription Online Gaming fallback

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Subscription Update Failed

Try these steps when an update fails:

  1. Ensure your internet connection is stable.
  2. Open the subscription link in a browser to confirm it works.
  3. Make sure no firewall or other proxy is blocking ClashX.
  4. Remove the link and add it again.
  5. Ask your provider whether the subscription is still valid.

Nodes Missing After Update

Possible causes and fixes:

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Common Reasons for Missing Nodes

1) Provider replaced or removed nodes. 2) Subscription link expired. 3) Config file syntax error. 4) ClashX cache problem.

Cannot Add a Subscription

If errors appear while adding a link:

  • Check that the URL is a complete HTTPS or HTTP link.
  • Clear caches and delete outdated config files.
  • Update ClashX to the latest version.
  • Confirm ClashX has the required network permissions.

Subscription Updates Are Slow

Improve update speed with these tips:

Speed-Up Tips

Use domestic subscription converters when possible.

Keep your network connection stable.

Avoid updating during network peak hours.

Clear the ClashX cache and try again.

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Pro Tip

Regularly back up working subscription configs (located at ~/.config/clash/) so you can restore them quickly if anything breaks.

Best Practices

Recommended habits for subscription management:

Update regularly
Refresh at least once per week.
Back up configs
Keep a stable copy saved.
Remove invalid links
Delete expired subscriptions.
Test connections
Run a quick connectivity test after each update.

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