V2Ray Setup Guide

This guide is for anyone using V2Ray for the first time, covering everything from download and install to connecting. In a hurry? Check out the condensed 5-Minute Quick Start instead. No matter the platform, the process is always the same three steps:

Windows: v2rayN Setup Guide

v2rayN

The most widely used graphical client on Windows — no install needed, just unzip and run. Requires Windows 10 or later.

Step 1: Download and Launch

1. Get v2rayN-windows-64.zip from the download page.
2. Extract it to a fixed folder, ideally outside your system drive, e.g. D:\v2rayN. Don't extract it to your desktop or a temp folder.
3. Double-click v2rayN.exe to launch it. It will minimize to the system tray in the bottom right.
4. Double-click the blue V icon in the tray to open the main window.

Step 2: Import a Node

Method 1: Import via Subscription URL (Recommended)

1. Click the top menu "Subscription Groups" → "Subscription Group Settings."
2. Click "Add," enter any name under "Remarks," paste your subscription URL under "Address (url)," and click OK.
3. Back on the main screen, click "Subscription Groups" → "Update All Subscriptions (No Proxy)" and your node list will appear.

Method 2: Import a Single Node From Clipboard

1. Copy the full node link (starting with vmess://, vless://, trojan://, etc.).
2. Press Ctrl+V on the main screen, or click "Servers" → "Import Bulk URL from Clipboard."

Method 3: Scan a QR Code on Screen

If your node is provided as a QR code, display it on screen and click "Servers" → "Scan QR Code on Screen" to import it.

Step 3: Connect and Use

1. Select a node in the list, then press Enter or right-click and choose "Set as Active Server."
2. Right-click the V icon in the system tray, choose "System Proxy" → "Auto-configure System Proxy" — the icon turns red once the proxy is on.
3. Open your browser to test a foreign site. When you're done, choose "Clear System Proxy" from the tray menu.

Android: v2rayNG / v2flyNG Setup Guide

v2rayNG / v2flyNG

Both apps come from the same developer with an identical interface, so this guide applies to either. Requires Android 8.0 or later.

Step 1: Install

1. Get arm64-v8a.apk from the download page (works on virtually all modern devices).
2. Open the downloaded APK to install it. If you see "Install unknown apps not allowed," follow the prompt to allow your browser or file manager to install apps.
3. Once installed, find the v2rayNG (or v2flyNG) icon on your home screen and open it.

Step 2: Import a Node

Method 1: Import via Subscription URL (Recommended)

1. Tap the menu icon (three lines) in the top left → "Subscription Group Settings."
2. Tap the + in the top right, enter anything under "Remarks," paste your subscription URL under "Address (url)," then tap the √ in the top right to save.
3. Back on the main screen, tap the three-dot menu in the top right → "Update Subscription" and your node list will appear.

Method 2: Import via Clipboard / QR Code

1. Copy the node link, then tap the + in the top right → "Import from Clipboard."
2. Or choose "Scan QR Code" to import directly by scanning.

Step 3: Connect and Use

1. Tap to select a node in the list (it will highlight to show it's selected).
2. Tap the round button in the bottom right to connect. The first time, a "Connection Request" popup will appear — tap "OK" to allow the VPN to be created.
3. The button changes color and a key icon appears in the status bar once connected. Tap the button again to disconnect.

macOS: v2rayN for Mac Setup Guide

v2rayN for Mac looks and works exactly like the Windows version — just follow the Windows guide above. Only the install step differs, in two ways:

1. On the download page, pick the build for your chip: arm64.dmg for Apple silicon (M-series), or 64.dmg for Intel.
2. Open the .dmg and drag v2rayN into the "Applications" folder. If you see "cannot verify developer" on first launch, go to System Settings → Privacy & Security and click "Open Anyway" at the bottom of the page.

Routing Mode: Choosing What Goes Through the Proxy

Routing splits your traffic by rule instead of sending everything through the proxy. Three common modes:

Where to set it: on v2rayN, pick the routing mode in the bottom right of the main window; on v2rayNG / v2flyNG, go to "Settings" → "Routing" and choose "Bypass LAN & Mainland."

Note: "Bypass Mainland" is a built-in preset meant for people physically located in mainland China — it isn't a general "worldwide sites" filter. If you're elsewhere, stick with Global mode, or write your own rules for your own local sites/apps — see the custom routing rules guide.

Can't Connect? Common Troubleshooting

Still no internet after importing a node

1. Check the node is active: on v2rayN there should be an "active" marker next to the node; on Android, the node should be selected.
2. Check the proxy is on: the v2rayN tray icon should be red (auto-configure system proxy is on); on Android, there should be a key icon in the status bar.
3. Test the node's latency: run a batch real-connection test — if latency shows -1, the node is dead; update your subscription or contact your provider.

Subscription update failed

First make sure the subscription URL was copied in full (it's a single https link). Some subscription URLs need a proxy to reach — connect with a working node first, then choose "Update Subscription (via Proxy)."

Connected but very slow

Usually the node itself is overloaded. Run a batch speed test and switch to a lower-latency node; slowdowns during peak hours (evenings) are common — try off-peak hours or contact your provider.

Browser works, but some apps don't use the proxy

"System proxy" only affects apps that respect the system proxy setting. For apps that don't, v2rayN can enable Tun mode (in settings, requires admin rights); on Android, VPN mode covers all apps by default, or you can target specific apps under "Settings → Per-App Proxy."

For more issues, see the FAQ.