V2Ray Quick Start: online in 3 minutes

Just three things: download client → import subscription → enable proxy. Illustrated details in the Tutorial.

01 Download the client

Pick one install for your device

Desktop (Windows / macOS / Linux) → v2rayN; Android → v2rayNG (or V2flyNG). Install first, then configure.

Download package illustration
Win / Mac / Linux v2rayN Desktop users download here
ANDROID v2rayNG Preferred download for phones
ANDROID V2flyNG Community edition alternative
  • Windows: Download the zip, extract, run v2rayN.exe. If blocked, whitelist it.
  • macOS: Apple Silicon → arm64 dmg; Intel → x64. If needed, allow in Privacy & Security.
  • Linux: Prefer the universal zip; Debian/Ubuntu can use .deb.
  • Android: Allow “Unknown sources” when installing the APK, then open the app.
02 Import subscription

Get nodes into the client

You need a subscription URL from your provider, or a node text / QR code. Without them, the client alone won't go online—that's expected.

Import subscription and nodes illustration

Desktop · v2rayN

  1. Open subscription manager and add a subscription.
  2. Paste the full subscription URL and save.
  3. Click “Update subscription” and wait for the node list.
  4. Or: copy the node text → “Import from clipboard”.

Android · v2rayNG / V2flyNG

  1. Tap “+” in the top right, or use Add.
  2. Choose “Subscription URL”, paste the URL, then update.
  3. Or choose “Import from clipboard / Scan QR code”.
  4. If nodes appear in the list, import succeeded.

Empty list? Check that the subscription was copied in full, confirm phone/PC network is working, then tap Update again.

03 Turn on the proxy

Pick a node, connect, verify

After a successful import, don’t close the page yet. Follow the steps below, then open any site in your browser to confirm it works.

Connected status example
Win / Mac / Linux

Connect with v2rayN

  • Run a speed test and pick a low-latency node.
  • Select a node and enable System proxy.
  • Enable smart routing / bypass (keep local traffic direct).
  • When the tray shows Connected, open a webpage to test.
Android

Connect with v2rayNG / V2flyNG

  • Tap a node in the list.
  • Return to the home screen and tap Connect.
  • When the system asks for VPN permission, tap Allow.
  • When the key icon appears in the notification bar, you’re ready.
That’s your first successful connection. Daily use: update the subscription regularly → speed-test and switch nodes → disconnect the proxy when you’re done.

Beginner checklist

  • Installed the matching client from this site’s download page
  • Subscription updated; nodes appear in the server list
  • A node is selected and the proxy / VPN is connected
  • The browser can open web pages normally

Stuck on a step? See the full guides: v2rayN tutorial, v2rayNG tutorial, V2flyNG tutorial.

Beginner FAQ

What do I need for my first V2Ray setup?

A computer (Windows / macOS / Linux) or an Android phone, plus a subscription link (or node / QR code) from your provider. Then follow this page’s three steps: download, import, connect.

Should beginners download v2rayN or v2rayNG?

On desktop use v2rayN; on phone use v2rayNG. That’s the simplest combo and the easiest to find guides for.

Can I start without a subscription URL?

You can download and install the client first, but you need a working subscription or node to get online. Get a subscription from your provider, then do step 2 on this page.

Connected but pages still won't load?

Switch to a node that passed the speed test, or update the subscription and reconnect. On desktop, confirm system proxy is on; on Android, confirm VPN permission is granted. Still stuck? See the FAQ or can’t-connect troubleshooting article.

Download a client Read the full tutorial →

More articles: V2Ray blog · How to choose a client · Import a subscription