Proxy on, internet gone: the troubleshooting checklist

Proxy on and the whole connection dies? Work through this list in order — each step has a clear verdict:

1. Switch nodes: run a latency test on the current group in Proxies and pick a node with a normal reading. A single dead node is the most common cause;
2. Check the mode: on General, make sure Mode was not accidentally left on Global (with a dead node selected in GLOBAL). Return to Rule first;
3. Try Direct: temporarily set Mode to Direct — if the internet works, the problem is nodes/rules; if it still fails, the machine or system settings are at fault, keep going;
4. Check what the system proxy points at: Windows Settings → Network → Proxy — the address and port must match the General page (e.g. 127.0.0.1:7890). If a stale port lingers, toggle System Proxy off and on to rewrite it;
5. Check for conflicting software: other proxies/VPNs/boosters (including browser proxy extensions) fight over the system proxy. Quit them all and retry ("Browser extension conflicts");
6. Read the logs: look for red errors on the Logs page — connect timeout points at nodes, DNS resolve error at DNS config, and config parse errors mean re-update the subscription in Profiles.

If everything above passes and it is still broken, restart Clash (tray → Quit, reopen); failing that, reboot — it sounds lazy, but it clears stuck network state surprisingly often.