Clash X for Mac – Your Rule-Based Proxy & VPN Client for macOS

Manage your network traffic, boost privacy & unlock geo‑restricted content.

Clash for Mac: Complete Guide & Free Download | ClashForMac.net

What is ClashX for Mac?

ClashX is a powerful, open-source proxy client designed specifically for macOS operating systems. This versatile application serves as a comprehensive solution for users seeking secure internet browsing, geo-restriction bypassing, and enhanced online privacy. Unlike basic VPN clients, ClashX offers advanced routing capabilities and supports multiple proxy protocols simultaneously, making it the perfect choice for Mac users who demand flexibility and performance.

Why Choose ClashX? ClashX provides professional-grade proxy management with an intuitive macOS interface, ensuring both beginners and advanced users can benefit from its powerful features without compromising on ease of use.

Key Features and Benefits

Multi-Protocol Support

ClashX supports an extensive range of proxy protocols including Shadowsocks (SS), ShadowsocksR (SSR), VMess, VLESS, Trojan, Snell, HTTP(S), and SOCKS5. This comprehensive protocol support ensures compatibility with virtually any proxy service provider.

Rule-Based Routing

The application features intelligent rule-based routing that automatically determines whether traffic should be proxied or sent directly. This smart routing system optimizes speed while conserving bandwidth, making it ideal for both casual users and power users.

Native macOS Design

Despite its advanced capabilities, ClashX maintains an intuitive interface that follows macOS design principles. The clean, native design ensures easy navigation and seamless integration with your Mac workflow.

High Performance

Built on the robust Clash core and optimized for macOS, the application delivers exceptional performance with minimal system resource consumption. Advanced users can fine-tune settings for optimal speed and reliability.

Configuration Management

The software supports both manual configuration and subscription-based automatic updates, allowing users to maintain up-to-date proxy lists effortlessly through the intuitive macOS interface.

Apple Silicon Support

ClashX is fully compatible with both Intel and Apple Silicon Macs, ensuring optimal performance across all modern Mac devices including M1, M2, and M3 processors.

System Requirements

ClashX is designed to work seamlessly across all modern Mac devices. Check the requirements below to ensure optimal performance on your system.

Minimum Requirements

  • macOS 10.12 Sierra or later
  • 50 MB available disk space
  • 256 MB RAM
  • Active internet connection

Recommended Requirements

  • macOS 11 Big Sur or later
  • 100 MB available disk space
  • 512 MB RAM
  • Stable broadband connection

Compatibility Note: ClashX works perfectly on both Intel and Apple Silicon Macs (M1, M2, M3 chips). The application is universally compatible and optimized for maximum performance regardless of your Mac's architecture.

Download and Installation Guide

Installing ClashX on your Mac is a straightforward process that takes just a few minutes. Follow our step-by-step guide to get ClashX running on your macOS system quickly and securely.

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Step 1: Download ClashX for Mac

Download the latest stable version of ClashX from our secure download link. We provide the official, unmodified version optimized for macOS.

What You'll Get: The ClashX.dmg file is the official installer for macOS. It's completely free, open-source, and safe to install on your Mac. The download size is approximately 15-20 MB.

Step 2: Installation Process

The installation process follows standard macOS procedures and is designed to be user-friendly for all experience levels.

1
Locate the downloaded file: Find the ClashX.dmg file in your Downloads folder (it should appear automatically in your downloads)
2
Mount the disk image: Double-click the .dmg file to mount the disk image. A new window will open showing the ClashX application
3
Install to Applications: Drag ClashX.app to your Applications folder. This copies the application to your Mac permanently
4
Launch ClashX: Open ClashX from Applications folder, Launchpad, or use Spotlight search (⌘+Space, then type "ClashX")
5
Grant permissions: macOS will ask for permission to run the application. Click "Open" to allow ClashX to run on your system
Security Notice: If you see a popup saying the app is from an "unknown developer," this is normal for ClashX. Simply right-click the application and select "Open" to bypass this security warning. This happens because ClashX is distributed outside the Mac App Store.

Step 3: Initial Setup

The first launch of ClashX requires some initial configuration to enable proxy functionality on your Mac.

1
Handle security prompt: If it's the first time using ClashX, a popup will appear saying the app is from an unknown developer. Click "Open" to allow the application to run
2
Install system plugin: ClashX will prompt you to install a plugin for system proxy management. This is essential for ClashX to function properly. Click "Install" when prompted
3
Authenticate with password: macOS will ask for your administrator password to install the proxy plugin. Enter your Mac login password to complete the installation
4
Locate the menu bar icon: After successful installation, the ClashX icon (a cat) will appear in your menu bar at the top of your screen
5
Access ClashX menu: Click the cat icon in the menu bar to access all ClashX settings and configuration options

Success! ClashX is now installed and ready to configure. The menu bar icon indicates that ClashX is running in the background and ready to manage your proxy connections. You can now proceed to add your proxy servers and configure routing rules.

Configuration Tutorial

Once ClashX is installed, you'll need to configure your proxy servers to start browsing securely. ClashX offers flexible configuration options suitable for both beginners and advanced users.

Adding Proxy Servers

There are two main methods to add proxy servers to ClashX. Choose the method that best suits your technical level and requirements.

Method 1: Manual Configuration

Perfect for users who want full control over individual server settings or have specific proxy configurations to add.

1
Access ClashX menu: Click the ClashX icon (cat) in your Mac's menu bar to open the dropdown menu
2
Navigate to profiles: Select "Config" → "Remote Config" → "Manage" from the menu options
3
Create new profile: Click "Add" to create a new configuration profile and choose "Empty" for manual setup
4
Enter server details: Input your proxy server information including server address, port, protocol, and authentication details
5
Save configuration: Save your manually configured profile and select it from the profile list to activate

Method 2: Subscription Import (Recommended)

The easiest and most efficient method for most users. Automatically imports and updates server lists from your proxy provider.

1
Get subscription URL: Obtain your subscription URL from your proxy service provider's dashboard or account settings
2
Open management interface: Click the ClashX menu bar icon and navigate to "Config" → "Remote Config" → "Manage"
3
Add subscription: Click "Add" in the management window to create a new remote configuration
4
Import servers: Paste your subscription URL in the URL field and click "OK" to import the complete server list
5
Enable auto-update: Configure the profile to update automatically by going to Config → Remote Config → Auto Update for the latest servers

Pro Tip: Most proxy service providers offer subscription URLs that automatically update your server list. This ensures you always have access to the fastest and most reliable servers without manual intervention.

Selecting Proxy Mode

ClashX offers three distinct proxy modes to match different usage scenarios. Choose the mode that best fits your browsing needs.

Global Mode

Global mode routes all internet traffic through the selected proxy server. Use this mode when accessing geo-restricted content, when maximum privacy is required, or when you need to ensure all applications use the proxy connection.

Direct Mode

Direct mode disables all proxy functionality, allowing normal internet access. This mode is useful for troubleshooting connectivity issues or when proxy access is temporarily unnecessary without closing ClashX.

Mode Selection Tip: Start with Rule Mode for optimal performance. Only switch to Global Mode when you need to proxy all traffic or access specific geo-restricted content that requires full routing.

Choosing and Managing Proxy Servers

After adding your servers, you'll need to select and activate your preferred connection. ClashX makes server management intuitive and efficient.

1
Navigate to proxy section: Click the ClashX menu bar icon and look for the "Proxy" or "Global" section in the dropdown menu
2
Select preferred server: Choose your preferred server from the available list. Servers are typically organized by location and provider
3
Test connection speed: Use the built-in latency test feature to identify the fastest servers for your location
4
Enable system proxy: Check "Set as system proxy" to activate ClashX and route traffic through your selected server
5
Configure startup options: We recommend checking "Start at login" to automatically launch ClashX when your Mac boots up

Configuration Complete! ClashX is now configured and actively managing your proxy connections. The menu bar icon will change appearance to indicate when the proxy is active. You can switch between servers, modes, and configurations anytime through the menu bar interface.

Advanced Features

ClashX offers powerful advanced features that provide granular control over your proxy configuration. These features are designed for users who want to maximize performance, customize routing, and monitor usage.

Traffic Statistics

Monitor real-time bandwidth usage and connection statistics through the ClashX dashboard. Track upload/download speeds, data consumption, and connection history to optimize your proxy usage and identify potential issues.

Custom Rules

Create custom routing rules for specific websites or applications, giving you granular control over your internet traffic routing on macOS. Define which domains use proxy and which connect directly.

DNS Configuration

Configure custom DNS servers to enhance privacy and resolve connectivity issues with certain websites. ClashX integrates seamlessly with macOS network settings for optimal DNS management.

API Integration

Advanced users can leverage the built-in HTTP API for automation and integration with other macOS applications and scripts. Perfect for developers and power users.

Enhanced Mode

ClashX Pro users can enable "Enhanced Mode" for better stability and improved application support on macOS systems. This mode provides deeper system integration.

Auto-Update

Set subscriptions to auto-update automatically by configuring Config → Remote Config → Auto Update to keep your proxy lists current without manual intervention.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Encountering issues with ClashX? Our comprehensive troubleshooting guide covers the most common problems and their solutions. Most issues can be resolved quickly with these step-by-step solutions.

Connection Problems

When ClashX fails to connect or maintains an unstable connection, follow these systematic troubleshooting steps:

1
Verify internet connection: Ensure your Mac has a stable internet connection by testing websites in Direct mode or temporarily disabling ClashX
2
Check subscription status: Verify that your proxy subscription is active, valid, and hasn't expired through your provider's dashboard
3
Switch servers: Try connecting to different proxy servers from your list to identify if the issue is server-specific
4
Restart application: Quit ClashX completely and relaunch it to refresh all connections and clear temporary issues
5
Check network settings: Review macOS network settings for conflicts with other VPN software or network configurations

Slow Performance

If you're experiencing slower than expected connection speeds, these optimization steps can help improve performance:

1
Test server latency: Use ClashX's built-in speed test to find the fastest servers for your geographic location
2
Optimize proxy mode: Switch from Global mode to Rule mode to reduce unnecessary proxy routing and improve speed
3
Check bandwidth usage: Monitor other applications that might be consuming bandwidth and close unnecessary programs
4
Update configurations: Refresh your proxy configurations to ensure you're using the latest server optimizations
5
Consider server location: Choose servers geographically closer to your location for better speed and lower latency

Application Won't Start

When ClashX fails to launch or crashes on startup, these systematic diagnostic steps can resolve most issues:

1
Check Gatekeeper settings: Review macOS Security & Privacy settings in System Preferences and allow ClashX if it's been blocked
2
Verify system requirements: Ensure your macOS version meets ClashX's minimum requirements (macOS 10.12 or later)
3
Reinstall application: Download a fresh copy of ClashX from our official source and reinstall to fix corrupted files
4
Check system logs: Use Console.app to review system logs for specific error messages related to ClashX startup failures
5
Reset permissions: Ensure you have administrator privileges and that ClashX has necessary permissions to modify network settings

Website Access Issues

When specific websites won't load or behave unexpectedly through ClashX, try these targeted solutions:

1
Clear browser data: Clear your Safari or browser cache, cookies, and website data to eliminate conflicts with proxy settings
2
Test different modes: Try switching between Rule mode and Global mode to determine if routing rules are causing the issue
3
Change server location: Switch to a different proxy server location, as some websites block specific regions or IP ranges
4
Check website restrictions: Verify if the website specifically blocks proxy traffic or has geographic restrictions
5
Disable browser extensions: Temporarily disable browser extensions that might interfere with proxy connections or modify web traffic
Config.yaml Error Fix: If you encounter configuration errors after updating ClashX, click the menu bar icon, select "Config" → "Open Configuration Folder", and delete the config.yaml file. Then restart ClashX to regenerate a clean configuration.

Security and Privacy Considerations

ClashX provides robust security features when configured properly. Understanding these security considerations will help you maximize protection and maintain privacy while using proxy services on macOS.

Best Practices for Mac Users

  • Always download ClashX from official sources or trusted repositories
  • Keep the application updated to the latest version for security patches
  • Use reputable proxy service providers with good privacy policies
  • Avoid free proxy services for sensitive activities or personal data
  • Regularly review and update your proxy configurations
  • Enable macOS Firewall for additional protection

Privacy Protection on macOS

  • ClashX encrypts internet traffic and masks your real IP address
  • Choose providers with strong no-log policies for maximum privacy
  • The application integrates with macOS privacy features seamlessly
  • Remember that proxy providers can still potentially access browsing data
  • Use HTTPS websites for end-to-end encryption
  • Consider using ClashX with encrypted DNS services

macOS Integration: ClashX respects macOS security frameworks and requires appropriate permissions to function. The application works within Apple's security model, requiring administrator authentication only for initial setup and system proxy configuration changes.

Security Reminder: While ClashX provides excellent proxy functionality, your overall security depends on the quality of your proxy service provider. Choose providers with transparent privacy policies, modern encryption standards, and a proven track record of protecting user data.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get instant answers to the most common questions about ClashX for Mac. Find solutions to setup, configuration, and troubleshooting questions.

Is ClashX free to use on Mac?

Yes, ClashX is completely free and open-source software for macOS. However, you'll need to purchase proxy service subscriptions from third-party providers to use the application effectively. The software itself costs nothing and is available for unlimited use.

Does ClashX work on Apple Silicon Macs?

Yes, ClashX is fully compatible with Apple Silicon Macs including M1, M2, and M3 processors. The application runs natively on both Intel and Apple Silicon architectures, ensuring optimal performance across all modern Mac devices.

Can I use multiple proxy providers simultaneously?

Yes, ClashX supports multiple proxy subscriptions and can automatically select the best server based on your configured rules and current network conditions. You can import several subscription URLs and switch between them as needed.

Does ClashX work with all Mac applications?

ClashX works as a system-wide proxy on macOS, meaning it can route traffic for most applications. Some applications may require additional configuration for optimal compatibility, but the majority of web browsers, email clients, and network applications work seamlessly.

How often should I update my proxy subscriptions?

Most subscription services update automatically every 24 hours. You can also configure auto-update settings in ClashX or perform manual updates anytime through the application interface. Regular updates ensure you have access to the latest servers and optimal performance.

Do I need technical knowledge to use ClashX?

While basic Mac computer skills are helpful, ClashX is designed to be user-friendly with an intuitive macOS interface. The default settings work well for most users without requiring advanced configuration. Subscription-based setup makes it accessible to beginners.

What's the difference between ClashX and ClashX Pro?

ClashX Pro offers additional features like Enhanced Mode for better stability and app support. Both versions are compatible with Intel and Apple Silicon Macs, but ClashX Pro provides more advanced configuration options and improved system integration.

What are the system requirements for ClashX?

ClashX requires macOS 10.12 Sierra or later, 50 MB of disk space, 256 MB RAM minimum (512 MB recommended), and an active internet connection. It works on both Intel and Apple Silicon Macs with excellent performance optimization.

How do I fix ClashX connection issues?

Common solutions include verifying your internet connection, checking subscription status, switching to different servers, restarting ClashX, and reviewing macOS network settings for conflicts. Most issues are resolved by switching servers or restarting the application.

Is ClashX safe and secure to use?

ClashX is open-source software that respects macOS security frameworks. It encrypts traffic and masks your IP address. Security depends on choosing reputable proxy providers with strong privacy policies. The application itself is transparent and regularly audited by the community.

Still have questions? ClashX has an active community of users and developers who can help with specific issues. The open-source nature of the project means continuous improvements and community-driven support for Mac users.

Ready to Get Started with ClashX?

Download ClashX for Mac today and experience secure, fast proxy browsing with the most advanced proxy client for macOS.

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