Free Clash client configuration tutorials,
5-minute cross-platform guide.
Comprehensive guide for official free Clash clients on Windows (Clash Verge Rev), macOS (ClashX Meta), Android, iOS, and Linux. Step-by-step instructions from download to enabling proxy, easy for absolute beginners.
3 Steps to Complete Free Clash Setup
Regardless of the platform, the basic Clash configuration process is similar, simple, and efficient.
Free Download Official Clash Client
Visit the download page and choose the official free Clash client for your OS. We recommend Clash Verge Rev for Win/Mac/Linux, and FlClash or ClashMeta for Android.
Import Subscription Link to Clash
Paste the subscription URL provided by your proxy provider into the "Subscription/Profile" page of the Clash client and click update to automatically fetch the node list.
Enable Clash System Proxy
Enable "System Proxy" on the main interface and select "Rule" mode for smart routing: traffic matching your rules connects directly, everything else goes via proxy for a seamless experience.
Installation and Configuration for Each Platform
View detailed step-by-step instructions for official free Clash clients on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux.
Download and Install Clash Verge Rev
Visit the download page and get the Clash Verge Rev x64 Installer (.exe) in the Windows section. For Snapdragon ARM laptops, choose the ARM64 version.
Double-click the installer and follow the prompts to complete the installation. Shortcuts will appear on your desktop and in the Start menu.
Import Subscription Link
Open Clash Verge Rev, click "Subscription" on the left, then click the "+" button in the top right. Paste your subscription URL and click "Save".
Once the subscription card appears, click the refresh icon (↻) to pull nodes, then click the card to activate it.
https://.Enable System Proxy
Click "Settings" on the left and toggle "System Proxy" to ON. We recommend "Rule" mode so domestic sites connect directly while overseas sites automatically use the proxy for the best experience.
A Clash icon will appear in the system tray; it turns green when the proxy is active.
Optional: Enable TUN Mode (Full Traffic Interception)
System Proxy only handles apps that support proxies. To intercept all network traffic (including UWP apps and games), enable "Settings → TUN Mode".
Enabling TUN for the first time requires installing a virtual NIC driver. Click "Yes" when Clash Verge requests UAC permissions.
Download and Install Clash Verge Rev
Visit the download page and choose based on your Mac chip: M-series users choose "Apple Silicon (.dmg)", Intel users choose "Intel x86_64 (.dmg)".
Double-click the .dmg file and drag Clash Verge into the "Applications" folder, then open it from Launchpad or Spotlight.
sudo xattr -rd com.apple.quarantine /Applications/Clash\ Verge.appImport Subscription Link
Open Clash Verge Rev, click "Subscription" → "+", paste the link, save, and refresh to fetch nodes. Click the card to activate.
Enable System Proxy
Go to "Settings → System Proxy" and toggle it ON, selecting "Rule" mode. macOS will request permission for Clash Verge to control system settings; click "OK".
Once authorized, a Clash icon will appear in the menu bar, and the proxy will be active for Safari, Chrome, and other browsers.
Optional: Enable TUN Mode
To intercept Terminal, games, and other apps that don't support system proxy, enable it in "Settings → TUN Mode". Install the system extension as prompted in "Privacy & Security".
Download and Install APK
Select the Android section on the download page. We recommend FlClash for beginners and ClashMeta for Android for advanced users (Universal APK works for most devices).
Once downloaded, find the .apk file in your file manager to install. If prompted "Installation of unknown apps not allowed", enable it in "Settings → Security → Install unknown apps" for your file manager.
Import Subscription Link
Open the app, go to "Profiles", click "+", choose "Add from URL", paste the link, and click "Save & Update".
Once updated, click the select button next to the profile to activate it.
Start VPN Connection
Return to the main screen and click "Start" or the power button in the center. Click "Allow" when the system requests VPN connection permission.
Once the status shows "Running", a VPN key icon will appear in the notification bar, indicating the proxy is active.
Purchase and Install from App Store
Search for "Shadowrocket" (or Stash / Quantumult X) in the App Store to purchase and install. Prices are approximately $2.99 (Shadowrocket), $3.99 (Stash), and $7.99 (Quantumult X).
Add Subscription Link (Shadowrocket Example)
Open Shadowrocket, click the "+" in the top right, choose "Subscribe" as the type, paste your URL, and click "Done".
Once updated, the node list will be populated. Select a node on the home screen to connect.
Start VPN Connection
On the Shadowrocket home screen, toggle the "Not Connected" switch at the top (turns green when connected). Click "Allow" and verify with Face ID or password for the system VPN prompt.
A "VPN" icon in the top left status bar indicates the proxy is active.
Linux supports two methods: Graphical Interface (GUI) for desktop users and Command Line (CLI) for servers or headless environments.
Method 1: Install Clash Verge Rev (GUI)
Download the corresponding format: .deb for Ubuntu/Debian and .rpm for Fedora/openSUSE. Supports amd64 and arm64 architectures.
Once installed, search for "Clash Verge" in your app menu. Setup is identical to Windows and macOS.
Method 2: Mihomo CLI (Command Line)
Ideal for headless environments like servers and home routers, NAS devices, or edge gateways. Download the .gz file for your architecture and run:
Prepare Config and Start (CLI Method)
Save your subscription configuration file (YAML format) to ~/.config/mihomo/config.yaml, then run:
Mihomo opens a Web Dashboard interface at 127.0.0.1:9090 by default, which can be managed visually through panels like Yacd.
Explanation of Clash Proxy Modes
The official Clash provides three proxy modes (Rule / Global / Direct) that you can switch between based on your needs.
Rule Mode
Automatically decides based on built-in rules: local traffic connects directly, other traffic uses the proxy, and ad domains are blocked. Balances speed and access—Recommended for daily use.
Global Mode
Forces all traffic through proxy nodes. Ideal for accessing global content or when Rule mode fails to correctly identify certain sites. Speed depends on the proxy node.
Direct Mode
All traffic bypasses the proxy and connects directly. Used for temporarily disabling the proxy without exiting Clash, or for testing local network speed.
Clash FAQ
Common questions and solutions when using official free Clash clients.
Node list is empty after importing subscription. What to do?
Ensure your subscription link is complete and valid; you can test it by opening it in a browser to see if the config file downloads. If it's expired, request a new one from your provider. Also, ensure your network is working when updating subscriptions.
No internet after enabling system proxy. How to troubleshoot?
Follow these steps: 1. Ensure an active node is selected; 2. Switch to "Global" mode to test; 3. Check node status (test latency in the proxy list); ④ Restart the Clash client; ⑤ After closing Clash, check if system proxy settings were incorrectly modified and clear them manually if needed.
How to bypass proxy for a specific app?
In Rule mode, you can add DIRECT rules to the rules section of the config. For GUI clients like Clash Verge Rev, add domains or IP ranges to "Settings → Bypass Proxy". ClashMeta for Android supports per-app settings in "Access Control".
Can the client be set to auto-start at boot?
Yes. Clash Verge Rev has a toggle in "Settings → Auto-Start". ClashX Meta (macOS) has this in its menu. FlClash and ClashMeta for Android support starting with the system VPN. Linux CLI users can configure a systemd service for auto-start.
How to update subscription links? How often?
Click the refresh icon on the subscription page to update manually. Most clients support auto-update intervals (12 or 24 hours recommended). Since updating downloads the config file, once a day is usually sufficient.
Is Clash free? Do I need to pay?
All clients provided here (including Clash Verge Rev, FlClash, ClashMeta for Android, etc.) are completely free open-source software. You only need your own subscription link from a provider. iOS apps like Shadowrocket and Stash are third-party paid apps with fees collected by the App Store.