# How to Configure ASUS Merlin Routers for VPN: Complete Setup Guide

> Easily configure ASUS Merlin routers for VPN with the FancySS plugin. Follow our guide to import V2Ray or SSR links and set up secure proxy access for enhanced privacy.

- Repository: [如何翻墙/fanqiang](https://github.com/bannedbook/fanqiang)
- Tags: how-to-guide
- Published: 2026-09-06

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**Set up VPN proxy access on ASUS Merlin firmware by installing the FancySS plugin, importing a V2Ray or SSR subscription link, and selecting the appropriate routing mode.**

The *fanqiang* repository provides a curated collection of guides for bypassing internet restrictions across multiple platforms. For ASUS Merlin router users, the project offers a self-contained tutorial that enables VPN-like proxy functionality without external scripts or manual configuration files.

## Where the ASUS Merlin Guide Lives

The router-specific documentation resides in the `router/` directory. According to the bannedbook/fanqiang source code, the primary file is [[`router/Merlin.md`](https://github.com/bannedbook/fanqiang/blob/main/router/Merlin.md)](https://github.com/bannedbook/fanqiang/blob/master/router/Merlin.md), which contains a complete walkthrough for installing the "科学上网" (scientific-internet-access) plugin and configuring it with subscription-based proxies.

The repository also includes [[`router/readme.md`](https://github.com/bannedbook/fanqiang/blob/main/router/readme.md)](https://github.com/bannedbook/fanqiang/blob/master/router/readme.md) as an index page listing available router tutorials, and [[`README.md`](https://github.com/bannedbook/fanqiang/blob/main/README.md)](https://github.com/bannedbook/fanqiang/blob/master/README.md) providing the high-level overview linking to all platform guides.

## Step 1: Install the FancySS Plugin

The Merlin firmware does not include proxy functionality by default. You must install the **FancySS** package from the third-party FancySS project.

1. Visit `https://github.com/hq450/fancyss` and locate the release matching your router's architecture (e.g., `fancyss_merlin_x64.tar.gz` for x64 models).

2. Open your router's web interface, navigate to **Software Center**, click **Install**, and select the downloaded archive.

The plugin integrates directly into the ASUS Merlin administration panel. No SSH access or command-line configuration is required for basic operation.

## Step 2: Add Your Subscription Link

Once installed, configure the plugin with a V2Ray or ShadowsocksR subscription:

1. Open **科学上网** → **订阅地址管理** (Subscription Management).

2. Paste your subscription URL. This typically comes from a V2Ray airport service or free node list:

   ```

   https://example.com/subscription/abc123.txt
   ```

3. Click **保存并订阅** (Save and Subscribe). The plugin automatically fetches and parses all available servers.

The guide includes UI screenshots hosted on `v2free.org` (e.g., `meilin1.png`, `meilin2.png`) that illustrate this workflow visually.

## Step 3: Select Routing Mode and Enable

After importing servers, configure traffic handling:

| Mode | Purpose |
|------|---------|
| **大陆白名单模式** (Mainland Whitelist) | Routes only international traffic through proxy; domestic sites connect directly. |
| **游戏模式** (Gaming Mode) | Restricts proxy to gaming traffic only; minimizes latency for other applications. |

To activate:

1. Navigate to **账号设置** → **插件开关** → **打开** (Account Settings → Plugin Switch → On).

2. Select your preferred **模式** (mode) from the dropdown.

3. Pick a server from the populated list and click **确定** (Confirm).

The plugin applies rules immediately without router reboot.

## Complete Setup Workflow (Summary)

```text

# 1️⃣ Install the FancySS offline package:

- Download architecture-matched package from https://github.com/hq450/fancyss
- Install via router Software Center

# 2️⃣ Add subscription link:

- Open 科学上网 → 订阅地址管理
- Paste: https://example.com/subscription/abc123.txt
- Click 保存并订阅

# 3️⃣ Configure and enable:

- 账号设置 → 插件开关 → 打开
- Set 模式 to 大陆白名单模式 or 游戏模式
- Select server → 确定

```

## Compatibility and Related Resources

The `router/` directory covers multiple firmware options. While this guide focuses on ASUS Merlin, the repository also provides [[`router/OpenWRT.md`](https://github.com/bannedbook/fanqiang/blob/main/router/OpenWRT.md)](https://github.com/bannedbook/fanqiang/blob/master/router/OpenWRT.md) for OpenWRT-based routers.

The main [`README.md`](https://github.com/bannedbook/fanqiang/blob/main/README.md) links to companion guides for:
- **Android:** V2RayNG, ShadowsocksR
- **iOS:** Surge, QuantumultX
- **macOS:** V2rayX, ClashX
- **Windows:** V2RayN, ShadowsocksR

## Summary

- **Install** the FancySS plugin from the FancySS project repository—choose the correct architecture for your router model.

- **Import** a V2Ray or SSR subscription URL through the 订阅地址管理 interface; the plugin auto-parses server configurations.

- **Select** either 大陆白名单模式 for general browsing or 游戏模式 for targeted gaming traffic.

- **Reference** the [`router/Merlin.md`](https://github.com/bannedbook/fanqiang/blob/main/router/Merlin.md) file in bannedbook/fanqiang for full visual guidance with embedded screenshots.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What subscription services work with the ASUS Merlin FancySS plugin?

Any V2Ray or ShadowsocksR (SSR) subscription URL is compatible. The plugin parses standard base64-encoded subscription formats. Free node lists and paid V2Ray airport services both function; paste the subscription link into 订阅地址管理 and click 保存并订阅 to populate the server list.

### Does this require enabling SSH or running commands on the router?

No. The FancySS plugin installs through the standard ASUS Merlin Software Center, and all configuration occurs through the web-based "科学上网" interface. SSH access is only necessary for advanced troubleshooting or manual rule editing, not for basic VPN setup.

### What is the difference between 大陆白名单模式 and 游戏模式?

**大陆白名单模式** (Mainland Whitelist) proxies all traffic except Chinese domestic websites, balancing speed and access. **游戏模式** (Gaming Mode) restricts proxy usage to gaming applications only, leaving all other traffic direct—ideal when you need minimal latency for non-gaming activities.

### Where can I find the offline package for my specific router architecture?

Visit `https://github.com/hq450/fancyss` and match your router's processor type. Common variants include `fancyss_merlin_x64.tar.gz` for x64-based routers and ARM-specific builds for other models. The bannedbook/fanqiang [`router/Merlin.md`](https://github.com/bannedbook/fanqiang/blob/main/router/Merlin.md) guide links directly to this repository for the latest releases.