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Frequently Asked Questions
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Clash Official Site answers the questions beginners ask most — from download and install to subscription import, rule routing, and troubleshooting.

Getting Started

Learn what Clash is and what Clash Official Site offers

Q What is Clash? What can it do?

Clash is an open-source network proxy client for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, and other major platforms. It automatically routes traffic by rules — direct connection for local/trusted sites, proxy for other traffic — per your configured rules — and supports Shadowsocks, VMess, Trojan, and more.

The community widely uses the Mihomo core (formerly Clash Meta), with GUI clients on each platform for easier use. See our official user guide for details.

Q What's the relationship between Clash and Mihomo?

Mihomo is the actively maintained fork of the Clash core, with enhanced protocol support and performance optimizations on top of rule-based routing. Many modern clients (e.g. Clash Verge Rev, ClashMeta for Android) embed the Mihomo core.

For users, configuration is largely the same — subscription links usually work directly. The download page also offers the Mihomo CLI core for advanced deployments.

Q What does Clash Official Site offer? Is it a proxy provider?

Clash Official Site (clashchinabase.com) is a client download and tutorial platform with installers, setup guides, and technical docs for all platforms. We do not operate proxy nodes, sell VPN or subscription services, or provide subscription links.

Nodes and subscriptions must be purchased from third-party providers independently — unrelated to this site.

Q Is the Clash client free to use?

Recommended Clash GUI clients and the Mihomo core on this site are all free open-source software, available from our official download page — no ads, no bundled software.

However, proxy node services are typically provided by third parties and may require paid subscriptions. Pricing and quality are determined by the respective provider.

Subscription & Configuration

Questions about subscription import, updates, and config files

Q What is a subscription link? Where do I get one?

A subscription link (Subscription URL) is an https://... address containing node lists, rules, and policy group info. Clash clients sync the latest nodes by periodically "updating the subscription".

Subscription links are provided by your proxy provider in their user dashboard. This site does not provide or sell subscriptions. See the subscription import guide for steps.

Q How do I import a subscription in the client?

General flow: Open client → go to "Profiles / Config" → choose "New" or "Import from URL" → paste subscription link → save and click "Update".

UI varies slightly by platform. See the corresponding section in our official guide (Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux).

Q What if subscription update fails?

Common causes and fixes:

Expired or invalid link — Log into your provider's dashboard and copy a fresh subscription link. Check if "subscription reset" invalidated the old link.

Network unreachable — Updating requires access to the subscription server. Try disabling proxy or switching networks first.

Client error — Check the error message; ensure the link is complete with no extra spaces. Some providers require Clash / Mihomo-specific subscription format.

Q What's the difference between universal and Clash-specific subscriptions?

Clash / Mihomo-specific subscriptions usually include rules, policy groups, and routing config — ready for rule mode after import. Recommended when available.

Universal subscriptions may only include node lists, requiring manual rule file setup. If the client reports incomplete config, switch to a Clash-specific link in your provider's dashboard.

Rules & Nodes

Routing modes, policy groups, and node speed tests

Q What's the difference between rule mode, global mode, and direct mode?

Rule mode (recommended): Routes by preset rules — trusted IPs/domains direct, other traffic via proxy. No manual switching for daily use.

Global mode: All traffic goes through proxy. May slow local sites — use only when needed.

Direct mode: Proxy off, all traffic direct. For temporary disable or troubleshooting. See rule mode guide.

Q What are policy groups? How do I pick a node?

Policy groups are sets of nodes or sub-policies defined in the config — common ones include "Proxy Select", "Auto Select", and "Fallback". Choose a policy group on the proxy page, then pick a specific node.

Use "Auto Select" to let the client pick the fastest line by latency, or run a speed test and choose a low-latency node manually.

Q How do I speed test and pick the best node?

Most clients support one-click URL Test. Click the speed test button in the node list and check latency (ms) — lower values are usually more stable.

Note: Results depend on your local network and may differ from real-world use. Combine with actual browsing and streaming experience.

Q What's the difference between system proxy and TUN mode?

System proxy: Modifies system proxy settings. Browsers and apps that respect system proxy route through Clash automatically. Simple setup — suitable for most users.

TUN / enhanced mode: Captures traffic at the virtual network adapter level. Can proxy apps that ignore system proxy (some games, specific software). May need extra permissions and slightly more setup.

Platforms

Client selection and installation by operating system

Q Which client is recommended for Windows?

We recommend Clash Verge Rev — modern UI, full features, subscription management, rule mode, and TUN support. Alternatives include FlClash, Clash Plus, and others.

Get the installer from our Windows download page, then import your subscription per the guide.

Q macOS says "cannot verify developer" — what do I do?

Third-party clients downloaded from official sites may not be Apple-notarized. Go to System Settings → Privacy & Security, find the blocked app, and click "Open Anyway".

Or right-click the app icon → "Open" → confirm in the dialog. See the macOS guide for details.

Q Android blocks APK from unknown sources?

Android blocks non-store APK installs by default. Enable "Install unknown apps" in system settings (path varies by brand — usually under Security or App management).

Download the ARM64 APK for most modern phones. See the Android guide.

Q What Clash clients are available on iOS?

Due to App Store policy, iOS options are limited. We recommend Clash Plus — available on the App Store, official site at clashplus.io.

After install, import subscription, select rule mode, and allow VPN configuration. See the iOS guide and iOS download page.

Security & Privacy

Data security, subscription protection, and download trustworthiness

Q Does this site collect my subscription or traffic data?

No. This site is a static information website. We do not transmit or store subscription links, config files, or network traffic from your Clash client. The client runs locally — proxy data is managed by you.

See our Privacy Policy for details.

Q Can I share my subscription link with others?

Never share it. Subscription links contain server addresses and auth credentials. Leaking them lets others use your node quota and may get your account banned.

Obtain links only from your provider's official channels. Beware of phishing pages. If you suspect a leak, reset your subscription link in the provider dashboard.

Q How do I verify a downloaded installer is safe?

Download software from the release channels listed on our official download page. Scan with antivirus before installing; verify file hashes if SHA256 checksums are provided.

Avoid downloads from unknown forums, cloud drives, or repack sites to prevent malware. See our Disclaimer for more.

Troubleshooting

No internet, slow speeds, and client errors

Q No internet at all after enabling proxy?

Try these steps:

1. Confirm a valid node or policy group is selected, and click "Update Subscription" to sync latest nodes.

2. Switch to "Direct mode" to restore network — check if it's a proxy config issue.

3. Disable TUN mode and use system proxy instead — or try switching modes.

4. Check if your provider's service is normal (log into dashboard for announcements) and whether all nodes are down.

5. Restart the client or device and reconfigure.

Q Some sites work, others don't?

Usually related to rule-based routing. Confirm you're in "Rule mode" not Direct mode; check whether rules for the domain point to the correct policy group.

Try "Global mode" temporarily: if sites work in global mode, rules need adjustment; if still blocked, it may be a node or target service issue.

Q High latency or buffering when streaming?

Run a node speed test in the client and switch to a lower-latency line; try the "Auto Select" policy group for automatic best-node selection.

Provider lines may congest during peak hours — try off-peak times or contact support about premium routes. Local network quality (Wi-Fi / 4G) also affects experience.

Q Client crashes or won't start?

Try a full uninstall and reinstall of the latest version. Windows: confirm WebView2 runtime is installed. macOS: confirm the app is allowed in Security settings.

If config is corrupted, delete local config and re-import subscription. If still failing, try another client on the same platform (e.g. switch from Clash Verge Rev to FlClash on Windows).

Still can't find an answer?

Visit Clash Official Site for in-depth guides, or download the official client for your platform.