This article explains how to import a subscription into Shadowrocket (小火箭) and why you should also check your IP, DNS, and browser environment after importing. It’s intended as a step-by-step guide for iPhone and iPad users who are new to Shadowrocket.
1. Basic steps for importing a subscription into Shadowrocket
Shadowrocket is just a client, so you’ll need a working subscription link first. Subscription links are usually provided by VPN services, private providers, or free-node websites. This site also collects information about some free nodes; before using a link, make sure it’s still valid.
- Open Shadowrocket on your iPhone and go to the home screen.
- Tap the “+” in the upper-right corner and select “Subscribe” as the type.
- Paste your subscription link in the URL field. You can enter “freevpn” or any name you like as a note.
- Tap Done. Back on the home screen, pull down to refresh the subscription and wait for the node list to appear.
- Select a node and turn on the connection switch at the top. The first time you connect, follow the prompts to allow Shadowrocket to add a VPN configuration.
- Once connected, open an IP-checking website in your browser and confirm that your exit IP has changed.
If you have a single vmess, vless, trojan, or ss link, you can copy it and open Shadowrocket, which will usually recognize it automatically. Alternatively, tap “+”, select the corresponding protocol, and paste the link manually.
2. Imported successfully, but it doesn’t work? Check these first
Many users assume that importing a subscription guarantees internet access. In fact, a subscription only adds a list of nodes to the client. Whether you can connect also depends on node status, your network environment, and your rules. We recommend checking the following in order:
- Has the subscription expired? If refreshing fails or the node list is empty, the link may have expired or been copied incorrectly.
- Is the node working? Try other nodes in the same subscription rather than testing just one.
- VPN permissions: In iOS Settings, confirm that the VPN configuration is present and that Shadowrocket has permission to connect.
- Rule mode: Beginners can try “Global” first. Once it works, switch back to “Config” or “Rule” mode.
- Local network: Try switching between Wi-Fi and cellular data. Some public Wi-Fi networks restrict proxy connections.
3. What do IP, DNS, and your browser environment affect?
After connecting, websites may see more than just your node’s IP. Your DNS activity or browser fingerprint may also be exposed. Put simply: your IP tells websites where you’re connecting from; DNS determines who resolves domain names; and your browser environment includes your language, time zone, cookies, WebRTC, and more.
If Shadowrocket is connected but an IP-checking website still shows your local IP, the VPN may not actually be on, your rules may not be applying, or your browser may be connecting directly. If DNS shows your local ISP, enable remote DNS in your Shadowrocket configuration or use a reliable configuration file. If the issue occurs in only one browser, clear its cache, disable settings related to WebRTC leaks, or compare the results in Safari and Chrome.
4. Recommended setup for beginners
If this is your first time using Shadowrocket, follow this sequence: “Import subscription → test in Global mode → check IP → switch to Rule mode.” Once you’ve confirmed that it works, choose a mode based on your needs, such as Auto Select, lowest latency, or a specific node. Avoid frequently importing subscriptions from unknown sources, as this can clutter your configuration. When switching subscriptions, delete the old one before adding a new link.
In summary: Importing a subscription into Shadowrocket mainly involves pasting the subscription URL and refreshing the node list. For a stable connection, you should also check whether your IP has changed, whether your DNS is leaking, and whether your browser environment is consistent. Following the steps in this article should help you troubleshoot most cases where “the subscription imported, but I can’t connect” or “I’m connected, but my environment doesn’t look right.”