This guide addresses the practical question, “How do I use Shadowrocket?” It covers importing nodes or subscriptions on an iPhone or iPad, enabling the proxy, checking whether your IP and DNS are working as expected, and troubleshooting inconsistencies in your browser environment. It’s intended for users who have just installed Shadowrocket or received a free node or subscription link and aren’t sure what to do next.
1. Basic steps for using Shadowrocket
Shadowrocket is a commonly used proxy client for iOS. It doesn’t provide nodes itself, so you’ll need to import node details for protocols such as Vmess, VLESS, Trojan, or Shadowsocks, or add a subscription link. This site compiles free nodes for testing, but their reliability can vary, so it’s a good idea to have a few alternatives ready.
- Open Shadowrocket. On the home screen, tap “+” in the top-right corner.
- If you have a single node, select the corresponding protocol and enter the server, port, password, UUID, encryption method, and other details. If you have a subscription link, set the “Type” to Subscribe or simply paste the subscription URL.
- After saving, return to the home screen and tap the node you added. A checkmark should appear next to it.
- Turn on the connection toggle at the top. The first time you connect, you’ll be prompted to add a VPN configuration. Tap Allow and enter your device passcode.
- Once the status shows “connected,” open a browser and visit an IP lookup site to confirm that your public IP has changed.
If you’re using a subscription, pull down on the subscription list or tap Update to make sure you have the latest node information. If a node won’t connect, don’t reinstall the app right away. Try switching to another node first.
2. What your IP, DNS, and browser environment affect
IP is the outbound address that websites see when you visit them. Once Shadowrocket connects, the IP shown on a website should usually change to one in the node’s region. If it still shows your local ISP address, the connection may not have succeeded, your rules may not be routing traffic through the proxy, or only some apps may be using it.
DNS resolves domain names to IP addresses. Even with the proxy connected, incorrect DNS settings can prevent some websites from loading, cause unexpected redirects, or lead to DNS leaks. In Shadowrocket, you can configure remote DNS in your configuration. Most users can start with the default settings; if you run into issues, try switching to a commonly used public DNS service or enabling proxy DNS.
Browser environment includes cache, cookies, language, time zone, WebRTC, and other settings. It doesn’t determine whether Shadowrocket connects, but it can affect how a website identifies your browsing environment. For example, even if your IP has changed, the browser may still retain old login data, causing the site to show content for your previous region. When testing, use a private browsing window or clear the target site’s cache before reopening it.
3. Troubleshooting common connection issues
- Node times out: Try another node in the same subscription to check whether only that node has stopped working.
- Subscription is empty: Check that you copied the full subscription URL, that it contains no extra spaces, and that your network connection is working when you update it.
- Connected, but webpages won’t load: Try switching proxy modes—for example, temporarily change from “Config” to “Global” to test.
- Some websites won’t load: Check whether your rules are routing traffic directly. You can review the request path in the logs.
- IP hasn’t changed: Make sure the toggle at the top is on and that you’ve allowed the VPN configuration in iOS settings.
For the most efficient troubleshooting, work through these checks in order: “Is the node working?—Is the proxy on?—Has the IP changed?—Is there a DNS issue?—Is the browser cache affecting things?” Avoid changing several settings at once, or it’ll be difficult to tell what fixed the issue or caused it.
4. Tips for using Shadowrocket
For everyday use, keep your most reliable nodes near the top of the list and update your subscription regularly. Streaming video, browsing the web, and downloading files place different demands on a connection. If you experience slowdowns, try switching nodes before changing protocol settings. Be cautious about importing nodes or configuration files from unknown sources, as they could expose your browsing history or account information. With these steps, you’ll be able to handle the basics of using Shadowrocket, check your browsing environment, and troubleshoot common issues.