What a Subscription Link Is: An Entry Point to a Live Server List
A subscription link (subscription URL) is an HTTPS address. The client sends a request to it, and the server responds with the list of servers currently available on your account. Each entry corresponds to one node and contains everything needed to connect: the protocol (Shadowsocks, VMess, Trojan, VLESS, Hysteria2, TUIC, and so on), the server address, the port, and the encryption parameters. Once the client has this, it can establish the tunnel, with military-grade encryption at the transport layer.
The difference from a single-node config comes down to maintenance. Import an ss:// or vmess:// share link and you get one fixed server; import a subscription link and the client receives a living list — when the provider adds a region, changes an IEPL relay entry point, or swaps ports, a subscription refresh syncs everything automatically, with no need to re-import servers one by one.
The format of the response is decided by the server, and there are two common types. One is a Base64-encoded list of share links, consumed directly by Shadowsocks-family clients and the v2rayN family. The other is a structured config file, such as the YAML used by Clash-family clients or the JSON used by sing-box. Many servers read the User-Agent header to detect the client type, so a single subscription address returns the matching format to each client.
Where to Get Your Subscription Link
You get your subscription link from the user dashboard, not from inside the client. With VPNTd, the full flow looks like this:
- Log in to the dashboard: use the sign-in link at the top right of the site and enter your username and password — no email address is required to register.
- Open the Subscription page: it shows your account's plan status along with the corresponding subscription link.
- Copy the link: click the copy button and the subscription URL goes to your clipboard. Some dashboards offer both a general subscription and a Clash-specific one — pick whichever matches your client.
- If you want the official client, grab the installer for your platform from the Downloads page in the dashboard; it works once you're logged in.
A subscription link is tied to your account, not to a device. The same subscription URL can be imported into multiple clients on your phone, tablet, and computer; plan data is counted as total usage, not split per device.
How to Import It into Clients on Each Platform
Whatever the platform, importing follows the same four steps:
- Copy the subscription link in the dashboard.
- Open the client's Subscription / Profiles / Config page and choose "Import from clipboard" or "Add subscription".
- Paste the URL and the client pulls the config automatically; once it succeeds, a new profile appears in the subscription list.
- Select that profile, pick a node with a good latency, and flip the connection switch on.
The differences between platforms are mostly in the client ecosystem and where the menu lives:
| Platform | Common clients | How to import | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows | Clash Verge / v2rayN | Import subscription from clipboard | Scheduled auto-update supported |
| macOS | Clash Verge / V2rayU | Import from clipboard or scan a QR code | Config files are interchangeable with the Windows version |
| iOS | Shadowrocket / Stash | Open the app after copying the link and it's detected automatically, or scan a QR code | Requires a non-mainland-China Apple ID to download |
| Android | v2rayNG / Clash Meta for Android | Import from clipboard or scan a QR code | After importing, run one manual update |
| Linux | Clash Meta / sing-box | Import via the GUI, or point it directly at the config URL | For the CLI approach you set the fetch interval yourself |
Clients only understand the format the subscription link returns. If the node list comes up empty after importing, first check that the link was copied in full (truncated ends are the most common cause), then verify the client type matches the subscription format, and finally trigger a manual update and read the error message.
How Often It Updates, and When to Refresh Manually
"Updating" happens on two levels. The first is on the server side: when the server list changes is up to the provider — adding regions, replacing relay entry points, or retiring nodes all change what the subscription returns. The second is on the client side: when to re-fetch is controlled by the client's subscription settings, usually offering three options — update on launch, update on a fixed interval, or manual updates only.
Typical situations that call for a manual refresh:
- Every node times out at once and no connection can be established;
- A new server announced in the update notes hasn't appeared in your list;
- The client reports that the config has expired or failed validation.
The refresh itself couldn't be simpler: hit "Update" on the client's subscription page and it finishes within seconds. Whenever VPNTd adjusts its servers, refreshing the subscription pulls the new list — no need to delete and re-import anything.
What to Do If Your Subscription Link Leaks
A leaked subscription link isn't just "someone saw it" — someone can use it to burn your plan's data directly. The fix is a reset, and here's how:
- Log in to the dashboard and open the Subscription page;
- Click "Reset subscription link" — the old link stops working immediately;
- Copy the new link and replace the old subscription URL in the client on every device;
- Trigger a manual update on each device and confirm the server list loads correctly.
For day-to-day hygiene, run through this checklist:
- ✅ Only copy your subscription link while logged in to your own account's dashboard;
- ✅ Before sharing a screenshot, check whether the subscription URL is visible in it;
- ✅ If you suspect a leak, reset right away — you don't need proof first;
- ❌ Never post your subscription link in group chats, forums, or code repositories;
- ❌ Don't leave subscription configs sitting on public devices.
FAQ
Do I have to buy again when I switch devices?
No. VPNTd plans allow unlimited simultaneous devices, so the same subscription link can be imported to as many devices as you like, with data counted against the plan's total. Just repeat the import process on the new device.
How does the subscription link relate to my username and password?
Your username and password log you in to the dashboard; the subscription link is the credential for your plan. Changing your password doesn't affect subscription links already issued, and resetting the subscription link doesn't touch your password — the two are independent.
No nodes show up after importing — what now?
Check in order: was the link copied in full, does the client type match the subscription format, and does a manual update return an error message. If the list is still empty after ruling out all three, contact support to check your account status.