This article addresses the practical question of “how to use Shadowrocket”: including installing and downloading it, importing nodes, enabling the proxy, checking whether IP/DNS has taken effect, and troubleshooting abnormal browser environments. It is suitable for iPhone and iPad users who have just obtained V2Ray/VLESS/SSR/Trojan nodes or subscription links.
1. Basic Shadowrocket Usage Process
Shadowrocket is often called “Little Rocket” and is a commonly used proxy client on iOS. It does not provide routes by itself; you need to import available nodes or subscriptions. This site also compiles free node information. It is recommended to test in small amounts first and only use it long-term after confirming it works.
- Install Shadowrocket from the App Store, then open it and allow it to add a VPN configuration.
- Prepare your nodes: this can be a single vmess, vless, trojan, or ss link, or a subscription URL.
- Tap the “+” in the upper-right corner, choose “Type” or “Import from URL,” and paste the node/subscription link.
- Return to the home page, select a node, turn on the switch at the top, and allow VPN permission when connecting for the first time.
- Open a browser and visit an IP checking website to confirm that the displayed IP has changed to the region of the selected node.
If you are using a subscription, it is recommended to find the subscription item on the configuration page and update it regularly. Invalid nodes, expired subscriptions, and incomplete copied links are the three most common problems beginners encounter.
2. What to Check for IP, DNS, and Browser Environment
Many users assume that if Shadowrocket shows “Connected,” it must be working, but you also need to check whether the IP, DNS, and browser environment are consistent. IP is the outbound address seen by websites; DNS is the domain name resolution request; and the browser environment includes language, time zone, WebRTC, cached cookies, and more.
- IP check: After connecting, check the public IP. If it still shows your local ISP, it means the proxy has not taken over or the rule was not matched.
- DNS check: If the IP is overseas but DNS is still leaking locally, some websites may trigger risk controls or behave abnormally.
- Browser environment: If the node is in a certain region, but the browser language, time zone, and login history are completely inconsistent, some platforms may flag it as abnormal.
Ordinary users do not need to pursue complex fingerprint spoofing, but it is recommended to maintain basic consistency: for example, when using nodes from the same region, do not frequently switch the browser language, and try to keep sensitive accounts on fixed routes.
3. Recommended Configuration and Rule Selection
Common modes in Shadowrocket include global proxy, configuration proxy, direct connection, and more. Beginners are advised to start with “Configuration” or “Rule” mode, so domestic websites connect directly while overseas websites go through the proxy; if a certain website cannot be opened during testing, you can temporarily switch to Global Proxy to determine whether it is a rule issue.
For DNS settings, you can use common public DNS servers in the configuration or follow the default settings from the remote configuration. If you are not sure how to change it, do not fill in random values. If you encounter resolution failures or a webpage says the server cannot be found, then consider switching DNS or changing the configuration file.
4. Connection Failure Troubleshooting Checklist
- Has the node expired: test with another node instead of focusing on just one route.
- Has the subscription been updated: long-press the subscription or manually refresh it in the configuration page.
- Is system VPN permission enabled: delete the old VPN configuration in iOS Settings and authorize it again.
- Is the network restricted: switch from Wi-Fi to cellular, or test the other way around.
- Is the time accurate: incorrect system time can affect the TLS handshake.
- Is the protocol supported: some newer protocols or special parameters require a newer client version.
If one app works but the browser does not, first clear the browser cache, disable WebRTC-related extensions, or test in an incognito window. If all apps are unable to access the internet, it is usually a node, subscription, or local network issue.
Summary: the core of using Shadowrocket is “import nodes → choose rules → enable the connection → check IP/DNS.” As long as you troubleshoot step by step, most problems can be located. When using free nodes, prepare a few backup routes if possible, and pay attention to account security—do not enter important passwords in untrusted environments.