This article addresses the core question of “how to use Shadowrocket”: how to import nodes or subscriptions on iPhone/iPad, enable the proxy, and understand the relationship between IP, DNS, and the browser environment after connecting, so you can troubleshoot common issues such as webpages not opening, inconsistent IPs, and DNS leaks.
1. Basic Shadowrocket Usage Process
Shadowrocket is a common proxy client on iOS, typically used to import nodes such as V2Ray, VLESS, Trojan, and Shadowsocks. Before use, make sure you have installed the app from a legitimate source and have a working node link or subscription URL ready. This site also compiles free nodes, which are suitable for temporary testing, though the stability of free nodes may vary.
- Open Shadowrocket and go to the home page.
- Tap the “+” in the top right corner, select “Type,” and paste the node link; if it is a subscription, go to the relevant “Configuration” or “Subscription” section to add the URL.
- After saving, return to the home page and select the node you just imported.
- When connecting for the first time, iOS will prompt you to add a VPN configuration. Tap Allow and enter your lock screen passcode.
- Turn on the switch on the right. Once the status shows connected, visit a webpage to test it.
If what you received is a link such as vmess://, vless://, trojan://, or ss://, you can usually copy it directly and open Shadowrocket to recognize and import it; if it is a subscription URL, it is recommended to use the subscription method so you can update it with one tap later.
2. What Is the Relationship Between IP, DNS, and the Browser Environment?
Many users think that once Shadowrocket is connected, “everything changes,” but these factors should actually be considered separately. The IP address is usually determined by the proxy node you choose, and the exit IP seen by websites is generally the region where the node is located; if a detection site still shows your local IP, it means the proxy is not taking effect, the rule did not match, or the site you visited is using a direct connection rule.
DNS is responsible for resolving domain names into IP addresses. If DNS does not go through the proxy, websites may fail to open, regional detection may behave abnormally, and DNS leaks may even occur. In Shadowrocket, you can use remote DNS in the configuration or let it follow the rules, but ordinary users do not need to change these settings casually. It is best to prioritize a stable configuration template or the built-in rules provided by the subscription.
The browser environment includes language, time zone, cache, cookies, WebRTC, and more. Even if your IP changes, the browser may still retain previous account login status, regional preferences, or cached data. If a webpage shows an inconsistent region, you can try Incognito mode, clear site data, or disable the browser’s location permission.
3. Troubleshooting Common Connection Failures
- Node timeout: Switch to another node, or update the subscription and try again.
- Subscription import failed: Check whether the link is complete, make sure there are no extra spaces, and if necessary, switch networks and try again.
- Connected but webpages will not open: Switch to global proxy mode for testing; if global mode works, the rule configuration may not be matching properly.
- Inconsistent IP detection: Turn the VPN off and back on, test with another browser or an Incognito window, and avoid cache-related interference.
4. Recommended Way to Use It
Beginners are advised to use “Global Proxy” first to confirm that the node is working, then switch back to “Rule Mode” for everyday use. Subscription users should update regularly to avoid continuing to connect to expired nodes. If you only need to look up information temporarily, free nodes can meet basic testing needs; if you require high stability, you should prepare multiple backup nodes to avoid a single point of failure.
In summary, the key to using Shadowrocket is not just knowing how to tap Connect, but understanding that nodes, rules, DNS, and the browser environment all work together to affect the final access result. By following the steps above to import, connect, test, and troubleshoot, you can resolve most common usage issues.