V2Ray Setup Guide
From downloading v2rayN and importing subscriptions to enabling system proxy and configuring routing rules, this guide walks you through installation and everyday use.
Download and Install v2rayN
Go to the download page and choose the v2rayN package for your platform. Windows users can pick the desktop or classic WPF build, macOS users should choose the Apple Silicon or Intel version based on their chip, and Linux users can select the deb or rpm package. After installation, launch the client. On first run, you'll be prompted to choose a core; the default Xray core is fine.
Once installed, v2rayN shows an icon in the system tray. Right-click the tray icon to quickly open the main interface, toggle system proxy, or exit the program.
Import Subscription Link
In the v2rayN main window, click "Subscription Group" → "Add Subscription" and paste your subscription URL. Subscription links are usually provided by your provider or service and contain the node list. After adding, click "Update Subscription" and the client will automatically fetch and parse the node list.
After updating, nodes are synced to the default group automatically. If the subscription expires or nodes fail to connect, get a fresh subscription link and update again.
Enable System Proxy and Connect
In the v2rayN main window, select a node with low latency, right-click it, and choose "Set as Active Server". Then enable "System Proxy" → "Auto Configure System Proxy" from the top menu. Once enabled, traffic from your browser and most apps will go through the proxy automatically.
If the connection fails, click "Test Node Latency" to check node connectivity, or try switching to another node. Latency results are shown in milliseconds; lower latency means faster connections.
Configure Routing Rules
The default routing rules bypass traffic to mainland China, so domestic sites are accessed directly while foreign traffic goes through the proxy. If you need custom rules, adjust them under "Settings" → "Routing Settings". v2rayN includes common routing rules and also supports custom rules.
Well-configured routing rules can improve access speed and reduce proxy traffic usage. For example, you can let specific domains or IP ranges connect directly while the rest goes through the proxy.
FAQ
Why can't I access the internet after connecting?
First, check whether the node is working, then confirm that system proxy is enabled. If you still can't access the internet, try switching nodes or check your firewall settings. For more troubleshooting, see the Configuration Guide for details on routing rules and DNS settings.
Can v2rayN and v2rayNG share the same configuration?
Both use the same V2Ray core specification, so the configuration file structure is identical. However, the interface and operation differ between v2rayN and v2rayNG, while subscription links can be reused directly.
Why did domestic websites get slower?
The default routing rules bypass traffic to mainland China, so domestic sites are accessed directly. If access is slow, check whether the routing rules have been modified or whether the DNS settings are correct.
Learn Configuration Files In Depth
If you want to dive deeper into V2Ray's configuration file structure, we recommend the Configuration Guide. It includes a full explanation of the JSON structure and real configuration examples.
View Configuration Guide