Clash Client Downloads and Platform Selection

Confirm the system and CPU architecture first

A single client may offer x64, ARM64, ARMv7, and universal builds. Architecture and operating system are separate requirements: a Windows x64 installer cannot run on macOS, and an Android ARM64 package cannot run on a 32-bit ARM device. A wrong choice may cause the installer not to launch, an incompatibility warning, or an immediate exit after installation.

Windows desktop PCs generally use x64. On macOS, distinguish Apple Silicon from Intel: the former includes M-series chips, while the latter refers to processors in older models. On Android, check the CPU ABI in a device information tool or system diagnostics page; choose ARM64 for arm64-v8a and ARMv7 for armeabi-v7a. If unsure, choose a clearly labeled universal build instead of trying several architectures in succession.

GUI clients versus standalone cores

Clash Plus, Clash Verge Rev, FlClash, and Clash Meta for Android are GUI clients. They combine configuration management, policy-group switching, log viewing, the system proxy, TUN, DNS, and core lifecycle management in a visual interface for everyday desktop and mobile use. Users generally only need to import a configuration and approve system permissions; separate startup commands are unnecessary.

The standalone Mihomo core is a command-line program. It reads YAML configuration files and runs with startup arguments, without a graphical settings page or built-in management of desktop menus, tray status, or app updates. It is better suited to servers, routers, containers, and automated environments. For phone or personal computer proxy use, a GUI client is easier to maintain.

Import a subscription or configuration file after installation

When a client opens for the first time, the configuration list is usually empty. Open the Configuration or Subscription page, paste the subscription URL provided by your service, or import a local YAML file. After a successful import, set it as the active configuration, then check the policy groups on the Proxy page. The client can forward traffic only when the configuration includes usable proxies, policy groups, and rules.

A subscription link is a configuration source, not a client download URL. Do not paste it into a browser's download button or enter an installer URL in the subscription field. If the import reports a format error, check that the link is complete, the configuration has not expired, and the server response is actually a Clash- or mihomo-compatible configuration.

Choosing between system proxy and TUN mode

The system proxy suits browsers and desktop apps that follow the operating system's proxy settings. When enabled, the client writes HTTP or SOCKS proxy addresses to the system, but some games, command-line programs, and apps that ignore system proxy settings may bypass it. Its simpler setup makes it a good baseline for the first connection.

TUN mode uses a virtual network interface to capture a wider range of traffic, making it useful for apps that ignore system proxy settings. It usually requires VPN, network extension, or administrator permissions. Android and iOS show a system VPN confirmation; Windows, macOS, and Linux may require a service, network interface, or system credentials. Stop any conflicting VPN connection that is already using the system interface.

Configuration updates and local overrides

A subscription update fetches the remote configuration again. Direct edits to a generated subscription file may be overwritten by the next update. To keep custom DNS, rules, or policies over time, use the client's override feature or place custom content in a separate local configuration layer. This keeps remote subscription updates separate from personal rules.

Do not set the automatic update interval too short. Checking a regular subscription once a day is usually enough; frequent refreshes do not improve connection speed and may trigger access limits from the configuration service. If policy-group names or rule structures change after an update, check the active selections again to avoid references to deleted groups.

Basic troubleshooting for installation failures

First confirm that the downloaded extension matches the platform: Windows commonly uses EXE or ZIP, macOS uses DMG, Android uses APK, and Linux GUI packages commonly use DEB, RPM, or AppImage. Then check the CPU architecture. If the system installs the package but the client will not start, review system messages, client logs, and security permission records instead of repeatedly installing the same file over itself.

If the network is still unavailable after connecting, check in order whether the active configuration is enabled, the policy group has a usable proxy selected, the operating mode is correct, DNS resolution works, and another traffic interception tool is running on the system. Downloading or installing a client usually does not change subscription status; expired configurations must be handled at the configuration source.