Guide

ClashX Subscription Guide [2025 Complete] Import & Update Tutorial | Beginner's Illustrated Guide

📅 2025-01-28 ⏱️ 10 min read 👁️ 12456 views

What is a ClashX Subscription

A ClashX subscription is a convenient way to manage proxy server configurations. Instead of manually editing configuration files, you can use a subscription link (URL) to automatically get and update server lists from your proxy service provider.

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Subscription Advantages
  • Automatic updates: when your provider refreshes nodes you simply click Update to pull the newest configuration.
  • One-click import: no need to type server addresses, ports, or passwords manually.
  • Rule sync: routing rules and proxy groups stay aligned with the provider's latest presets.
  • Multi-device ready: use the same subscription link on multiple Macs or iOS devices.

Subscription vs. Manual Configuration

Subscription links typically start with http:// or https://, and when accessed will return a Clash-compatible configuration file containing all available proxy servers, routing rules, and other settings.

Features SubscriptionLink Configuration file
Update method Automatic update Manual replacement
Ease of use Very convenient More cumbersome
Network requirement Needs an internet connection Works offline
Best scenario Long-term use Temporary or offline use

How to Get Subscription Link

Subscription links are provided by proxy service providers. If you haven't purchased a proxy service yet, you need to choose a reputable provider first.

Getting Subscription from Provider

This is the most common and most recommended approach:

  1. Sign in to your proxy provider's dashboard (user center / control panel).
  2. Locate the "Subscription", "Configuration" or "Clash Subscription" page.
  3. Copy the Clash-format subscription link (it usually starts with https://).
  4. Some providers also show a QR code that you can scan directly inside ClashX.

Subscription Link Format

If the provider only gives you V2Ray or Shadowsocks links, convert them into Clash format first:

  • Online converter: use a reputable conversion site (keep privacy in mind).
  • Local converter: download an open-source tool and run the conversion locally.
  • Built-in converter: certain ClashX builds can import V2Ray subscriptions directly.
⚠️
Security Notice

Subscription links contain your account information. Do not share with others to prevent account theft. If accidentally leaked, reset your subscription link in the service provider panel immediately.

Subscription link format

Links typically contain: 1. Domain: Service provider's server address 2. Path: Subscription API endpoint 3. Token: Your unique authentication token 4. Parameters: Optional filters or settings

https://example.com/api/v1/client/subscribe?token=abcdef123456

Note: the actual URL contains your personal token or key, so every user receives a unique link.

Importing Subscription to ClashX

ClashX provides a simple and convenient subscription import function. Follow these steps to complete the import:

Method 1: Direct URL Import (Recommended)

Detailed steps:

  1. Click the ClashX icon in the menu bar
  2. Select "Config" → "Remote Config" → "Manage"
  3. Click the "+" button or "Add" button in the popup window
  4. Paste your subscription link in the URL field
  5. Optionally set a custom name (for easy identification)
  6. Click "OK", ClashX will automatically download configuration
  7. Enable the profile: after the update finishes, choose the subscription in the profile list.
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Time Required

Everything usually takes one or two minutes. The first import may spend a few extra seconds downloading the configuration depending on your network and file size.

Method 2: Clipboard Import

If you copied the subscription link, ClashX can detect it automatically:

  1. Copy the subscription link to clipboard
  2. Click the ClashX menu icon
  3. Select "Config" → "Remote Config" → "Set URL from Clipboard"
  4. ClashX will automatically import and apply the configuration

Verifying Import Success

If you already downloaded a .yaml profile:

  1. Click the ClashX menu bar icon.
  2. Select "Profiles" → "Open Folder".
  3. Copy the .yaml file into the folder that opens.
  4. Return to ClashX and pick that profile from the "Profiles" menu.
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Notes

Method 3 imports a static file and will not auto-update. Use method 1 or 2 if you need automatic refresh. Static files are suitable for offline or testing scenarios.

Updating Subscription Configuration

Proxy service providers regularly add new servers or adjust rules. Updating your subscription ensures you get the latest configuration.

Manual Update Method

Global mode
All traffic is sent through the proxy.
RulesMode
Route traffic according to rules (recommended).
Direct mode
All traffic connects directly without the proxy.
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RecommendedSettings

For most users, rule mode is the best balance. It keeps domestic traffic direct for speed and tunnels overseas traffic through the proxy to bypass restrictions.

Recommended Update Frequency

Subscription profiles usually include several proxy groups with different purposes:

  • Auto Select: automatically chooses the lowest-latency node.
  • Manual Select: you decide exactly which node to use.
  • Load Balancing: spread traffic across multiple nodes.
  • Failover: switch to another node when the current one fails.
  • Regional group: organize nodes by region such as Hong Kong, US, or Japan.

Rule explanations

Instructions

Rule type Instructions Example
DOMAIN Matches an exact domain google.com
DOMAIN-SUFFIX Matches a domain suffix *.google.com
DOMAIN-KEYWORD Matches domains containing a keyword google
IP-CIDR Matches an IP range 192.168.0.0/16
GEOIP Matches GEOIP location CN, US, JP

Managing Multiple Subscriptions

ClashX supports managing multiple subscriptions simultaneously. This is useful if you use multiple proxy service providers or need different configurations for different scenarios.

Adding Multiple Subscriptions

Two manual update options:

Option 1: quick update

  1. Click the ClashX menu bar icon.
  2. Choose "Profiles" → "Update Remote Profiles".
  3. Wait 5–10 seconds for the refresh to finish.

Option 2: update from profile manager

  1. Open "Profiles" → "Manage" under Managed Configurations.
  2. Right-click the subscription that needs an update.
  3. Select"UpdateConfiguration"

Switching Between Subscriptions

ClashX can refresh subscriptions automatically on a schedule:

  1. Open ClashX Preferences (Profiles → Settings).
  2. Find the "Subscription Update" options.
  3. Enable "Automatically update subscriptions".
  4. Set the update interval (24 hours is ideal for most users).
  5. SaveSettings
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Recommended update frequency
  • Daily use: refresh every 24 hours.
  • Rapidly changing nodes: refresh every 12 or 6 hours.
  • Stable services: once per week is enough.
  • Avoid overly aggressive schedules—hourly refreshes only add load to the server.

Deleting Subscriptions

If the subscription fails to update, try the following:

  • Check your internet connection.
  • Confirm the subscription link has not expired or been revoked.
  • Switch to another network such as mobile data or a different Wi‑Fi.
  • Update ClashX to the latest version.
  • Contact your provider if the issue persists.

Auto-update Subscription Settings

To keep configuration up-to-date, you can enable ClashX's auto-update subscription feature.

Enabling Auto-update

You can keep several subscriptions for different scenarios:

  • Primary subscription: the provider you rely on every day.
  • Backup subscription: used when the primary link has issues.
  • Special-purpose subscription: focused on a certain region or task.
  • Testing subscription: experiment with a new provider without touching production setups.

Auto-update Interval Recommendations

Switching between subscriptions only takes a moment:

  1. Click the ClashX menu bar icon.
  2. Open the "Profiles" menu to view every imported subscription.
  3. Click the subscription you want to activate.
  4. ClashX immediately loads that configuration and its nodes.

Tips for organizing subscriptions

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Best Practices
  • Use clear names such as "Primary-XXAirport" or "Backup-YYService" for easy identification.
  • Clean up regularly by removing expired or unused subscriptions.
  • Always keep at least one backup subscription in case the main one stops working.
  • Test new subscriptions first before relying on them long term.

DeleteSubscription

To delete a subscription:

  1. Open "Profiles" → "Manage" under Managed Configurations.
  2. Select the subscription you want to remove.
  3. Click the "-" button in the lower-left corner.
  4. Confirm the deletion.

Common Subscription Issues

Here are common issues you may encounter when using subscriptions and their solutions:

Issue 1: Subscription Import Failed

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Necessity of Conversion

Different proxy tools speak different configuration formats. V2RayNG uses V2Ray syntax, Shadowrocket has its own, while ClashX needs Clash format—converters bridge those gaps.

Issue 2: Subscription Update Failed

Online converters are straightforward and require no installation:

Conversion steps:

  1. Visit a trustworthy subscription conversion website (search for "subscription converter").
  2. Paste your V2Ray subscription link into the input box.
  3. Select "Clash" as the output type.
  4. Choose the rule set you need (ACL4SSR, DivineEngine, etc.).
  5. Click "Generate subscription link".
  6. Copy the Clash link that gets produced.
  7. Import the new link inside ClashX.
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Privacy and security warning

Online converters pass your link through third-party servers. Only use providers you trust, rotate links afterward, and never submit credentials on shady sites.

  • Use only well-known, trusted converters
  • Avoid suspicious conversion sites
  • Rotate the subscription link after conversion
  • Prefer open-source local converters

Issue 3: No Servers After Import

A safer option is to run an open-source converter locally:

Popular local tools:

  • subconverter – powerful CLI/UI tool that outputs high-quality Clash profiles.
  • ClashX Pro – includes a built-in converter capable of parsing V2Ray subscriptions.
  • Desktop subscription converter – GUI-based and easy to operate.

Issue 4: Servers Disconnect After Update

Issue Solution
Nodes are empty after conversion Check the original subscription and try another converter
Converted link is unreachable Converter may be blocked; use a local tool or another service
Node information is incomplete Choose a full rule set or advanced conversion options
Cannot connect after conversion Verify the original subscription and check ClashX settings

Subscription Management Best Practices

Follow these best practices to better use ClashX subscriptions:

Security Best Practices

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Sensitive Information Checklist
  • Account identifier: user ID or token.
  • Node details: server address, port, and protocol.
  • Authentication data: passwords, UUIDs, or other secrets.
  • Rule configuration: routing tables and proxy strategies.

Performance Optimization Practices

Eight security best practices:

  1. Never share your subscription link—it grants full access to your account.
  2. Avoid importing links on public Wi‑Fi or untrusted networks.
  3. Rotate the link every 3–6 months by requesting a reset from your provider.
  4. Use HTTPS links whenever possible.
  5. Be cautious with converters—stick to trusted tools only.
  6. Delete screenshots that expose the link.
  7. Monitor traffic usage for anomalies.
  8. Enable FileVault or other disk encryption to protect local profiles.

Backup and Recovery

If you suspect the link was leaked, act immediately:

  1. Ask the provider to reset or revoke the old subscription link.
  2. Change your account password.
  3. Review traffic logs for suspicious usage.
  4. Delete any old profiles inside ClashX.
  5. Import the freshly issued link and reconfigure ClashX.

Advanced Subscription Tips

For advanced users, here are some subscription advanced usage techniques:

Custom Subscription Processing

Symptoms:After clicking Import you see messages like "Failed to fetch subscription".

Possible fixes:

  • Verify you copied the full URL without extra spaces.
  • Open the link in a browser to confirm it downloads a file.
  • Ensure your Mac can reach the internet.
  • Update ClashX to the latest release.
  • Ask the provider for a fresh link if it has expired.

Local Subscription Hosting

Symptoms:Manual or automatic updates fail with an error message.

Possible fixes:

  • It may be a temporary network hiccup—wait a few minutes and try again.
  • The provider might be doing maintenance; confirm their status.
  • If the link is blocked, convert it to another domain or request a backup URL.
  • Allow ClashX through the macOS firewall.
  • Disable other proxy apps to avoid conflicts during updates.

Subscription URL Parameters

Symptoms:Import succeeds but the node list is empty or incomplete.

Possible fixes:

  • Force an update by removing and re-adding the subscription.
  • Ensure the link is really Clash format instead of V2Ray or SS.
  • Clear caches: quit ClashX, delete cache files, and relaunch.
  • Check the ClashX log for specific error messages.
  • Confirm your proxy service has not expired.

Cannot browse after importing

Symptoms:The nodes show as connected but you cannot open websites.

Possible fixes:

  • Ensure "Set as System Proxy" is enabled.
  • Switch to another node in case the current one is down.
  • Run a latency test and pick a responsive node.
  • Check the proxy mode—rule mode is recommended.
  • Restart ClashX completely and try again.
  • Verify the browser is not using its own separate proxy configuration.

Subscription link format error

Symptoms:You see "Invalid subscription format" or similar prompts.

Possible fixes:

  • Make sure the link is a Clash subscription, not V2Ray or SS.
  • Convert other formats to Clash using a converter.
  • Request the provider's "Clash/ClashX" link explicitly.
  • Re-copy the URL to ensure nothing was truncated.
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Troubleshooting Tips

Troubleshoot in this order: network → link validity → ClashX version → config format → macOS settings → node availability.

Summary

Subscriptions are the recommended way to manage ClashX configurations. Compared to manual configuration, subscriptions offer automatic updates, simplified management, and cross-device synchronization.

Node filtering and sorting

Most subscriptions ship with dozens of nodes; filtering helps you stay efficient:

  • Run latency tests regularly and keep only the fastest nodes.
  • Choose nodes by region—Japan for streaming, Hong Kong for news, etc.
  • Favorite frequently used nodes or add them to custom groups.
  • Track dead nodes and avoid retrying them.

Custom rule optimization

Fine-tune traffic control with your own rules:

  • App-level rules: dedicate a node or policy to a specific application.
  • Domain routing: bind certain websites to a chosen node.
  • IP rules: force selected IP ranges to go direct or via proxy.
  • Port rules: decide proxy behavior by port number.

Proxy group strategy

Suggested proxy group setup:

  1. Auto Select group: daily browsing with automatic failover.
  2. Manual group: ideal when you must stay on a fixed node (e.g., account logins).
  3. Regional group: build dedicated sets for streaming, gaming, or specific regions.
  4. Failover group: keep mission-critical traffic online at all times.
  5. Direct group: route domestic services directly for maximum speed.

Performance tuning tips

DNSOptimization
Enable Fake-IP mode to speed up DNS lookups.
Concurrent connections
Adjust the maximum number of parallel connections to suit your workload.
UDPSupport
Turn on UDP support for gaming and VoIP.

Subscription backup and restore

Back up your subscription profiles regularly to avoid accidental loss:

  1. Export: go to "Profiles" → "Open Folder".
  2. Copy the entire folder to a safe location.
  3. Save the subscription links inside a password manager.
  4. Refresh the backup monthly so it stays current.
  5. Test-restore occasionally to ensure the backup actually works.
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Advanced tips

Power users can edit YAML directly to unlock complex routing, scripts, and TUN mode—ClashX supports the full Clash Premium feature set.

Conclusion

This guide walks you through the full lifecycle of ClashX subscriptions—from obtaining a link to importing, updating, converting, and securing it.

Key Points Review:

  • Subscription links automate configuration management and beat manual node entry.
  • Regular updates keep your node list and rule set fresh.
  • Converters let you reuse subscriptions from other clients.
  • Protect the link like a password to avoid leaks.
  • Troubleshoot step by step when issues appear.
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What to learn next

Move on to advanced ClashX topics such as custom rules, scripting, performance tuning, and automation.

Tags: ClashX Subscription Import Tutorial Auto-update Beginner Guide Subscription conversion

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