Expecting Mihomo to open like an app
It is a core with no window. Running it directly gives you a command-line process.
Basics
What is Mihomo?
Mihomo is a core, not a client. Understand how it splits work with GUI clients before choosing software.
Content reviewed · Nov 3, 2026
Who it is for
People who want to understand how Mihomo, Clash Meta, and GUI clients relate.
Before you read
- Know that a client is an app installed on your device
- Have a trusted profile source if you plan to connect
Key ideas
- 1
Mihomo is an open-source proxy core written in Go. It used to be called Clash Meta.
- 2
It has no interface. It reads profiles, routes by rules, and forwards traffic.
- 3
Clash Verge Rev, FlClash, and Clash Light all wrap it in a graphical interface.
- 4
One core can sit behind several interfaces, which is why profiles usually carry over when you switch clients.
Common confusion
Searching for it by name
The core publishes on GitHub; clients have their own download pages. Keep the two apart.
Next step
If you already know your device, go straight to the download page.
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