This article addresses the practical question of “how to import a subscription into Shadowrocket”: including how to import a subscription link into Shadowrocket on iPhone/iPad, update nodes, choose an available route, and explain the relationship between IP, DNS, and the browser environment after connecting, so you can determine whether you are really connected.
1. What to prepare before importing a subscription into Shadowrocket
Shadowrocket is a commonly used proxy client on iOS. Before importing a subscription, you need to prepare a valid subscription link, usually starting with https://. The subscription may contain V2Ray, VLESS, Trojan, Shadowsocks, and other nodes. Whether they can be used depends on the node status and client support. This site also organizes free nodes and subscription resources, which are suitable for temporary testing, but the stability of free nodes may fluctuate, so it is recommended to prepare several backup routes.
Before importing, please confirm: your phone’s network is available; the system time is correct; the subscription link has no extra spaces; and Shadowrocket has been allowed to add VPN configurations. If the link comes from a webpage, it is recommended to copy the სრული address first rather than only the displayed text.
2. How to import a subscription into Shadowrocket: step by step
- Open Shadowrocket, go to the home page, and tap “+” in the upper-right corner.
- Select “Subscribe” or “Subscription” as the type; do not choose a single node type by mistake.
- Paste the subscription link into the URL field, and in Remarks you can enter “Free Nodes” or a custom name.
- Tap “Done” to save, then return to the home page and enter the subscription group.
- Pull down to refresh or tap Update, and wait for the node list to load.
- Select a node, turn on the connection switch at the top, and on first use allow adding the VPN when prompted.
If there are no nodes after importing, first check whether the subscription address has expired or been truncated; if the nodes exist but cannot connect, switch to another node for testing. A successful subscription import does not mean every node is available; nodes may fail due to network conditions, region, load, or configuration changes.
3. How to check whether IP and DNS are working properly after connecting
After Shadowrocket connects successfully, a VPN icon will appear in the phone’s status bar. At this point, visit an IP lookup website. If it shows the exit IP of the node’s region, it means the proxy traffic has most likely taken effect. Note that an IP change is the most intuitive way to judge, but it is not the only standard.
DNS is responsible for resolving domain names into IP addresses. If DNS is still going through the local network, you may encounter situations where “the IP has changed but some websites won’t open” or “region detection is abnormal.” In Shadowrocket, you can view the configured DNS policy. Generally, ordinary users can keep the default settings; if resolution often fails, you can switch nodes or retry in Global/Proxy mode. Do not enter unfamiliar DNS servers casually, as this may affect access stability.
4. What is the relationship between the browser environment and the proxy
Many people think that once Shadowrocket is connected, the browser environment changes completely. In fact, the browser can still expose information such as language, time zone, cache, cookies, and WebRTC. For example, if you have logged into certain websites with Safari, even if the IP changes, the site may still identify you through your account or cookies. A proxy mainly changes the network exit and does not mean your browser fingerprint is cleared.
- If access behaves abnormally during testing, try switching to private browsing mode first.
- Clear the target website’s cookies before opening it again.
- Confirm whether Shadowrocket’s rule mode is letting that website go through the proxy.
- Do not switch too frequently between too many regional nodes in a short period of time.
5. Common reasons for failure and how to handle them
Subscription update failed: check whether the link is complete, then try a different network. Node timeout: switch to another node or wait for a while. It connects but webpages will not open: try switching from “Rules” to “Global” for testing. Only some apps do not work: check whether that app is being routed directly by the rules. When troubleshooting, it is recommended to change only one setting at a time, which makes it easier to find the source of the problem.
Summary: the core steps for importing a subscription into Shadowrocket are to add Subscribe, paste the link, update the nodes, choose a route, and connect. After connecting, you can judge the effect comprehensively through IP lookup, DNS behavior, and browser access results. If a free subscription is unstable, prioritize updating the subscription or changing nodes rather than repeatedly modifying unrelated settings.