📖 Clash Configuration Tutorial

From zero to setup in 5 minutes, universal for all platforms.

STEP 01

🛠️ Preparation

Before starting, you need two things: a Clash Client and a Service Subscription Link.

📦

① Download Clash Client

Go to the download page and get the latest version of the client for your device's operating system.

Go to Download Page →
🔗

② Get Subscription Link

Obtain a Clash Subscription Link from your service provider (usually a URL starting with https://).

💡 Pro Tip Clash itself does not provide nodes; you need to purchase a service separately and obtain a subscription address.
WINDOWS

🪟 Clash for Windows Tutorial

Clash for Windows (CFW) is the most mature GUI client for the Windows platform, featuring a simple and intuitive interface.

  1. 1

    Install Client

    Download the .exe installer, double-click to run, and follow the prompts to complete the installation. After installation, a Clash icon will appear on your desktop; double-click to open it.

  2. 2

    Import Subscription Link

    Click "Profiles" in the left menu, paste your subscription link into the top input box, and click the "Download" button to pull the configuration.

    ✅ Success Indicators The configuration file appears in the list, and the number of nodes is displayed below the name.
  3. 3

    Select Configuration and Enable Proxy

    Click the "Activate" button (or simply click the configuration name) to set it as active. Then, click "General" in the left menu and toggle the "System Proxy" switch to On.

  4. 4

    Select Proxy Nodes

    Click "Proxies" in the left menu and choose a suitable node. We recommend clicking the "⚡ Speed Test" icon and selecting the node with the lowest latency.

    🌐 Rule Mode Recommended! Smartest mode: direct connection for local sites, proxy for overseas.
    🌍 Global Mode All traffic goes through the proxy; suitable for specific scenarios.
    🔒 Direct Mode No traffic goes through the proxy; same as turning off the proxy.
  5. 5

    Verify if it works

    Open your browser and visit Google or any other blocked site. If it loads normally, your configuration is successful! 🎉

macOS

🍎 ClashX Tutorial

ClashX is a native macOS menu bar app that stays in the top status bar for easy proxy switching.

  1. 1

    Install ClashX

    Download the .dmg file, double-click to open, and drag ClashX into the "Applications" folder. Upon first opening, macOS may show a security warning; go to System Preferences → Security & Privacy and click "Open Anyway".

  2. 2

    Import Subscription

    Click the ClashX cat icon 🐱 in the menu bar → "Config" → "Remote config" → "Manage", click "Add", paste the subscription link, set a name, and click confirm to download.

  3. 3

    Enable System Proxy

    Click the menu bar icon → "Set as system proxy". Once checked, the icon turns colorful, indicating the proxy is active.

    ⚠️ Note When setting the system proxy for the first time, macOS will prompt for permission; you need to enter your Mac password to authorize.
  4. 4

    Choose Node and Mode

    Click the menu bar icon → "Proxy" to view and select nodes; click "Proxy Mode" and select Rule.

ANDROID

🤖 Clash for Android Tutorial

Clash for Android (CFA) features a clean interface and supports one-click subscription import, making it the top choice for Android users.

  1. 1

    Install APK

    Download the .apk file from GitHub Releases and install it. If prompted about "Unknown Sources," allow the installation in your system settings.

  2. 2

    Add Subscription Config

    Open the app, click "Profiles" in the navigation bar, click the "+" button in the top right, select "Import from URL", paste your link, save, and then click the download icon to pull the config.

  3. 3

    Start Proxy

    Go back to the home screen and click the large "Start" button. The system will prompt for VPN authorization; click "OK" and a VPN icon will appear in the status bar, indicating the proxy is running.

  4. 4

    Switch Proxy Nodes

    Click the "Proxies" tab at the bottom, view all nodes, and click to switch. Long-press a node name for a latency test and choose the one with the lowest delay.

iOS

📱 Stash / Shadowrocket Tutorial

iOS requires a non-Mainland China Apple ID to download proxy apps. Below is the configuration process using Stash as an example.

⚠️ Prerequisites You need a non-Mainland China Apple ID (e.g., US, HK) to search for and buy Stash or Shadowrocket in the App Store.
  1. 1

    Buy and Install App

    Switch to your non-Mainland China Apple ID, search for "Stash" (¥30) or "Shadowrocket" ($2.99) in the App Store, and complete the purchase and download.

  2. 2

    Import Subscription (Stash)

    Open Stash, click "Config" → "Download from URL" at the bottom, paste the link, and click "Download" to finish importing.

    💡 For Shadowrocket Users Open Shadowrocket, click the "+" in the top right, select "Subscribe" as the type, enter the link, and save to automatically pull nodes.
  3. 3

    Enable Proxy

    Go back to the home screen and toggle the proxy switch at the top. Allow the VPN permission prompt and verify with Face ID / Touch ID. A VPN icon in the status bar indicates success.

  4. 4

    Select Proxy Nodes

    Go to the "Proxies" or "Policy" page, select a suitable node, click the speed test button, find the one with lowest latency, and connect.

FAQ

❓ FAQ

What if the subscription link fails to download?

Sometimes the subscription link itself needs a proxy to download (chicken and egg problem). Solutions:

  • Manually add one working node (SS/Vmess link) first, then enable the proxy to download the subscription.
  • Or contact your service provider to see if they offer a "Direct Subscription Link."
Proxy is on but websites still won't load?

Please troubleshoot in this order:

  • Ensure the proxy mode is Rule or Global, not Direct.
  • Test different nodes; some might be down.
  • Check if your subscription has expired on your service provider's dashboard.
  • Disable other VPNs or proxy software to avoid conflicts.
How to auto-update subscriptions?
  • Clash for Windows: Right-click a profile in the Profiles page → "Update," or enable "Auto Update" and set an interval.
  • ClashX: Menu bar icon → Config → Select Config → Update.
  • CFA: Long-press the profile name in the Profiles page → "Update."
Differences between Rule, Global, and Direct modes?
  • Rule Mode: Automatically decides; direct connection for local sites, proxy for overseas. Recommended for daily use.
  • Global Mode: All traffic goes through the proxy, which might be slower and affects local sites.
  • Direct Mode: No traffic goes through the proxy; same as turning off Clash.
Clash for Windows is discontinued; is it still usable?

The original CFW was archived in 2023. Existing versions still work but won't receive new features or security updates.
We recommend migrating to actively maintained alternatives like Clash Verge Rev (Meta core, more features, cross-platform).

What's the difference between TUN mode and System Proxy on Windows?

System Proxy only works for apps that support proxy settings (like browsers). TUN Mode uses a virtual network card to take over ALL system traffic, including command-line tools and games. Requires administrative privileges.

🚀 Haven't downloaded the client yet?

Visit our download page, choose the best Clash client for your system, and start for free.

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