A subscription link is a concept you can't avoid when using a VPN service. Whether you're using NZVPN or another provider, the first step in configuring your client is often copying a URL that starts with https://. This article explains everything from the ground up: where subscription links come from, how to use them, how often they update, and what to do if they leak.
What Is a Subscription Link? How Is It Different from Manual Node Configuration?
A subscription link is a URL generated by your provider. Your client uses it to automatically fetch the server node list, data usage, and expiration date. It's essentially the entry point to a "configuration manifest"—you don't need to manually enter each server's address, port, and encryption method.
The node list pulled by a subscription link includes server addresses, ports, encryption methods, and protocol types (Shadowsocks, VMess, Trojan, VLESS, Hysteria2, etc.). The client uses this information to establish connections automatically.
| Comparison | Manual Node Configuration | Subscription Link |
|---|---|---|
| Setup | Enter address, port, and password for each node | Paste one link to import everything |
| Node Updates | Must manually fetch new configurations | Auto-syncs when the provider updates |
| Multi-Device Management | Configure each device separately | Import the same link on multiple devices |
| Error Rate | Manual entry is error-prone | Just copy and paste the link |
| Data Usage | Not available | Shown directly in the client |
Where Do I Get a Subscription Link?
Subscription links are provided by your VPN provider. With NZVPN, for example, log in to the user dashboard and you'll find it on the "Subscription" or "My Subscription" page. The dashboard is accessible from the login area on the homepage. Signing up for NZVPN doesn't require an email address—you can see your subscription link right after logging in.
- ✅ Open the NZVPN user dashboard (after logging in)
- ✅ Find the "Subscription" option
- ✅ Click "Copy Subscription Link"
- ✅ Send the link to your device or paste it directly into your client
A subscription link contains account credential information. Anyone who gets hold of it can use your plan's data. After copying the link, don't paste it into public chat groups, forums, or comment sections.
How Do I Import a Subscription Link into Clients on Different Platforms?
The steps are similar across clients, but the exact paths differ slightly. Here's how to import on the most popular platforms:
Windows / macOS (Clash Verge or v2rayN)
Clash Verge manages subscriptions on the "Subscription" page, while v2rayN uses "Subscription Group Settings". The workflow is the same for both:
- Open the client and find the "Subscription" or "Profile" tab
- Click "Add Subscription" or "New Subscription"
- Paste the subscription link you copied
- Click "Update" or "OK"—the client will automatically fetch the node list
- Select a node from the list and click Connect
iOS（Stash / Shadowrocket）
In Shadowrocket, the "Type: Subscribe" option is the first row on the add-node screen; selecting it switches the URL field to subscription link format. In Stash, tap the "+" on the "Config" page to add one:
- Open the app and tap the "+" icon in the top-right corner
- Choose "Add Subscription" (Stash) or "Type: Subscribe" (Shadowrocket)
- Paste the subscription link and tap Save
- Tap "Sync" or "Update" to fetch nodes
Note: iOS clients need to be downloaded from the App Store using an overseas Apple ID. This is an App Store regional policy and has nothing to do with the subscription link itself.
Android（v2rayNG / Clash for Android）
Clash for Android manages subscriptions on the "Config" page—tap the "+" in the bottom-right corner to add one. For v2rayNG:
- Open v2rayNG and tap the menu in the top-right corner
- Select "Subscription Group Settings" and tap "Add Subscription"
- Paste the link and save
- Return to the main screen and tap "Update Subscription"
- Select a node from the list and connect
Router (OpenClash, etc.)
- Open the OpenClash management page on your router
- Find the "Subscription" or "Profile" option
- Paste the subscription link and save
- Click "Update" or "Apply Configuration"
How Often Does a Subscription Link Update?
The subscription link itself doesn't expire—it's a "key" used to fetch the latest node list. What needs updating is the list content.
- When the provider adds or removes nodes, it updates the server-side configuration
- Each "Update" action in the client re-fetches the latest list
- We recommend manually updating once a week to keep node information accurate
- Data usage and expiration date also sync with each update
Some clients support automatic updates, but the default interval can be long. If you notice frequent changes to the node list, manually update to get the latest nodes. If the provider adjusts its network architecture (for example, adding IEPL dedicated lines or changing relay nodes), the node list in your subscription link will change accordingly—keeping your client updated ensures you pick up these adjustments promptly.
If the node list hasn't changed for a long time, it may be a client caching issue. Try deleting the subscription and adding it again—this usually resolves it.
What Happens If a Subscription Link Leaks?
The most direct consequence of a leaked subscription link is that someone else uses your data. Anyone who gets the link can import your node list, consume your plan's traffic, and even affect your connection speed.
To be clear: a leaked subscription link does not mean your browsing content is exposed. The VPN's encrypted tunnel protects your traffic; the subscription link is just a configuration entry point. However, once someone else consumes your data, your available traffic decreases—and in severe cases, it may trigger the provider's abnormal-traffic risk control, leading to account restrictions.
Additionally, after a subscription link leaks, the other party may switch nodes frequently, causing your account to show a large number of connections from different locations in a short period. This increases the chance of triggering risk control. If you notice your data usage dropping unusually fast, or the client shows multiple unfamiliar connection records, your subscription link may have leaked. In that case, reset the link immediately and check whether any of your devices are still using the old one.
So, keeping your subscription link confidential is important. Pay attention to the following:
- Don't post your subscription link in public chat groups, forums, or comment sections
- Don't share screenshots containing your subscription link on public platforms
- If you suspect a leak, reset your subscription link in the dashboard immediately
How Do I Reset a Subscription Link?
Resetting your subscription link immediately invalidates the old one and generates a new one. This is the most effective remedy after a leak.
- ✅ Log in to the user dashboard
- ✅ Find the "Subscription" or "Security Settings" option
- ✅ Click "Reset Subscription Link"
- ✅ Confirm the action (the system will warn that the old link becomes invalid)
- ✅ Re-import the new link into all your clients
Resetting your subscription link disconnects all connected devices immediately. Before doing so, make sure you remember every device that needs to be reconfigured.
Common Questions About Using a Subscription Link
Can I use a subscription link on multiple devices at the same time?
Yes. NZVPN doesn't limit the number of devices—you can import the same subscription link on multiple devices, and each device works independently without affecting the others.
What's the relationship between a subscription link and plan data?
The subscription link is the configuration entry point; plan data is your usage allowance. The client fetches the node list through the subscription link and also shows your current data usage. If you run out of data, the subscription link remains valid, but you'll need to purchase a data pack or wait for the reset cycle. NZVPN data packs never expire (¥158/300GB, ¥358/1000GB, ¥658/3000GB)—just buy another when you need it.
Why is the node list empty after importing a subscription link?
This is usually a network issue preventing the client from reaching the subscription URL. Try switching to a different network, or check that the subscription link was copied in full. If it still doesn't work, reset the subscription link in the dashboard and import it again.
Will a subscription link expose my password or personal information?
No. A subscription link only contains node configuration information—not your account password or personal data. However, if the link leaks, someone else can use your traffic.
What should I do with the subscription link on an old device after switching to a new one?
The subscription link on your old device remains valid. You can keep using it, or re-import the same link on your new device. If you're concerned about security, reset the link in the dashboard and reconfigure all your devices.