Clash Official Help Center

Questions about Clash?
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A comprehensive hub for official free Clash client FAQs, troubleshooting, and technical terms. Find answers to common issues like installation, importing subscriptions, system proxy, and TUN mode.

Common Questions Troubleshooting Glossary Tutorials

Clash Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about free Clash download, installation, subscription import, and proxy modes.

Is Clash completely free?
Yes. The Clash core engine and mainstream open-source clients (Clash Verge Rev, FlClash, ClashMeta for Android, etc.) are 100% free. All downloads on this site are also completely free with no registration or payment required. iOS apps like Shadowrocket and Stash are third-party paid apps, with fees collected by the App Store.
How to get started quickly?
Setup in 3 steps: 1. Visit the Download Page for your OS; 2. Paste your subscription link into the "Subscription/Profile" page and update; 3. Enable "System Proxy" and select "Rule" mode. Usually takes less than 5 minutes. See the Tutorials for details.
What is a subscription link and where to get it?
A Subscription URL is an HTTPS link provided by your proxy service provider. The Clash client uses it to download the configuration file (YAML format) containing node info. You obtain this link after purchasing proxy services from a provider; this site does not provide proxy services.
Node list is empty after importing subscription. What to do?
Common reasons: 1. Link expired, request a new one; 2. Network cannot access the subscription address; 3. Link was copied incompletely; ④ File format is not standard Clash YAML, contact your provider.
Difference between official and third-party modified versions?
This site only provides official releases from open-source repositories. The code is public and auditable, with no backdoors or extra data collection. Avoid "modified" or "cracked" versions found online as they may contain malicious code.
How to update to the latest version?
Most GUI clients have a "Check for Updates" feature (usually in Settings). You can also return to this site's Download Page for the latest version. It's recommended to stay updated for security and performance.
How to bypass proxy for a specific app?
In "Rule" mode, traffic matching direct rules bypasses the proxy by default. For specific apps or domains, add them to "Settings → Bypass Proxy". ClashMeta for Android supports per-app proxy settings in "Access Control".
Does the client support auto-start at boot?
Yes. Clash Verge Rev (Windows/macOS/Linux) has a toggle in Settings. ClashX Meta (macOS) has this in its menu. FlClash and ClashMeta for Android support starting with the system VPN. Linux CLI users can use a systemd service.
Differences between Rule, Global, and Direct modes?
Rule Mode: Auto-routing based on config rules (local direct, international via proxy). Recommended for daily use. Global Mode: All traffic goes through the proxy. Direct Mode: All traffic connects directly without the proxy.
Difference between TUN Mode and System Proxy?
System Proxy: Only handles programs supporting HTTP/HTTPS/SOCKS5 (browsers, etc.). TUN Mode: Creates a virtual NIC at the system level to handle all TCP/UDP traffic, including games and UWP apps, but requires admin permissions.

Clash Troubleshooting Guide

Step-by-step troubleshooting for connection issues, installation failures, and subscription update errors.

No internet access in browser after enabling System Proxy

Ensure a working node is selected and shows a green latency test.

Switch to "Global" mode to check if it's a rule configuration issue.

Restart the Clash client and toggle System Proxy again.

Check if proxy settings are correctly applied in system settings (Windows: Settings → Network → Proxy; macOS: System Settings → Network → Proxy).

If using antivirus software, check if it's blocking Clash's network access.

Subscription Update Failed / Timeout

Open the subscription URL directly in a browser to check if the link is valid and not expired.

If your network blocks the subscription URL, try switching to a different network or contact your proxy provider.

Increase the client's timeout setting (some default to only 10 seconds).

Confirm the link's validity with your provider or request a new one.

macOS prompt "Cannot open because developer cannot be verified"

Go to "System Settings → Privacy & Security", find the block prompt at the bottom, and click "Open Anyway".

If that fails, run in Terminal: sudo xattr -rd com.apple.quarantine /Applications/Clash\ Verge.app

Enter your admin password to confirm, then reopen the app.

Android APK installation prompt "Problem parsing the package"

Ensure the APK file is fully downloaded and matches the specified file size.

If the ARM64 package fails, try the Universal version instead.

Ensure your device is running Android 5.0 or higher; some older devices are not supported.

Go to "Settings → Security" and ensure "Allow installation from unknown sources" is enabled.

Slow Connection / High Latency

Test node latency on the "Proxy" page and switch to a lower-latency node.

Ensure you are using "Rule" mode instead of "Global" to avoid unnecessary routing for local traffic.

Choose nodes geographically closer to you (e.g., nearby regions with low latency) for lower latency.

For UDP traffic like gaming, try enabling TUN mode for a better experience.

System still using proxy or network issues after closing Clash

Reopen Clash, manually toggle the "System Proxy" switch to OFF, and then exit normally.

Windows: Manually turn off "Settings → Network → Proxy → Use a proxy server".

macOS: Go to "System Settings → Network → Proxy" and uncheck all proxy settings.

Clash Glossary

Common Clash technical terms at a glance: Mihomo, TUN Mode, Subscription Link, Rule Set, etc.

Clash Core
Clash Core
An open-source network proxy kernel written in Go, responsible for traffic forwarding, rule matching, and protocol parsing. The most active version is Mihomo (formerly Clash Meta).
Mihomo
mihomo
The current name for the Clash Meta core, maintained by the community. It took over after the original Clash was discontinued, supporting more protocols and rule types.
Subscription Link
Subscribe URL
An HTTPS link provided by proxy service providers. Clients use it to download a YAML configuration file containing the node list. Regular updates keep node info synchronized.
TUN Mode
TUN Mode
A method of creating a virtual network interface (TUN device) to handle all network traffic, including apps that don't support proxy protocols. Covers more than system proxy but requires admin rights.
Rule Set
Rule Set
A predefined collection of domain or IP rules used to automatically decide whether traffic should connect directly or via proxy. Often includes local/international categories and ad-blocking.
System Proxy
System Proxy
Modifies OS proxy settings (HTTP/HTTPS/SOCKS5) so that applications following system settings forward their traffic through Clash. Most apps, like browsers, do this by default.
Rule-Based Routing (Shunt)
Split Tunneling
The mechanism that directs different traffic either through a proxy or directly based on rules. In Rule Mode, Clash automates this: domestic traffic connects directly while overseas traffic goes through a proxy.
Node
Node / Proxy
A server endpoint from a proxy provider, including address, port, protocol, and auth info. Different nodes in various regions offer varying latency and speeds.
Latency (Ping)
Latency / Ping
The time it takes for a data packet to travel from the client to the proxy server and back, measured in milliseconds (ms). Under 100ms is good, and under 50ms is excellent.
YAML Configuration File
.yaml / .yml
The format used by Clash for configuration, containing nodes, rule sets, and routing policies. YAML files downloaded via subscription links usually don't need manual editing.