03 / INSTALLATION AND MIGRATION
Complete these three steps after downloading
Import a subscription and select a configuration
Installing the client is only the first step. Open the subscription or configuration page, paste a subscription URL you obtained and are authorized to use, and wait for it to finish loading. Then set that configuration as active. If import fails, check that the URL is complete and valid, and that its contents use a supported format. Don’t keep switching clients instead of checking the subscription itself; the same invalid URL is likely to fail everywhere.
Before migrating from an older client, back up local rules, subscription URLs, and overrides. Remote subscription updates may overwrite direct edits, so use the new client’s override or merge feature to preserve custom rules. Configuration directories, core files, and interface settings aren’t interchangeable; copying the entire data directory can bring over old ports, stale caches, and broken paths.
Choose a traffic-capture method and proxy mode
On desktop, start with the system proxy and test using a browser that follows system proxy settings. To route more apps, configure TUN using the platform guide. Mobile devices usually route traffic through the system VPN interface. Traffic capture and rule mode are separate settings: the former determines whether traffic enters the client; the latter determines how it’s routed. Rule mode is suited to everyday routing based on domains, addresses, and rule sets.
Run only one primary traffic-capture client while testing, and check for port conflicts. After quitting an old app, the system may still point to its stopped local proxy, leaving pages unable to load. Restore the system proxy settings before starting the new client. Avoid changing DNS, rules, ports, and TUN at the same time; changing several variables makes troubleshooting harder.
Check the connection and keep a rollback option
After connecting, check the client logs, selected proxy group, and actual app access. A running indicator only confirms that a process or service has started; it doesn’t prove the subscription is valid, DNS is working, or all apps are routed through the client. If something goes wrong, note the time and relevant error details, and remove private subscription parameters before sharing logs. Keep a restorable configuration backup before upgrading the client or core. Clean up the old setup only after confirming that basic access and custom rules work.
For platform-specific steps, see the installation guides for all platforms. For a focused walkthrough of import, connection, and testing, read the user guide. See the client comparison for differences in features and maintenance status.