This guide addresses the practical question, “How do I use Shadowrocket?” It covers everything from installing the app and importing nodes to enabling the proxy, understanding how IP, DNS, and browser settings work together, and troubleshooting connection failures. It’s intended for everyday users who are just getting started with internet access tools on iPhone or iPad.
I. Getting started with Shadowrocket
Shadowrocket, often called “小火箭” (“Little Rocket”), is a popular proxy client for iOS. It supports multiple node formats, including V2Ray, VLESS, Trojan, and Shadowsocks. Before you begin, you’ll need a working node or subscription link. This site also provides free nodes for testing, but their reliability can vary, so use them only if they connect successfully.
- Install Shadowrocket on your iPhone or iPad, and allow it to add a VPN configuration.
- Open the app, tap “+” in the upper-right corner, select “Type,” then enter the node details manually. If you have a subscription link, go to the “Configuration” or “Subscription” page to add the URL.
- After importing the node, return to the home screen, select a node, then tap the switch to connect.
- The first time you connect, a system prompt will ask for VPN permission. Tap “Allow,” then enter your device passcode or use Face ID as prompted.
- Once connected, a VPN icon will usually appear in the status bar. Open a browser to check whether you can access websites.
If you use a subscription, update it regularly so you don’t keep using outdated settings after a node stops working. If several nodes have similar names, try one with lower latency that has been working recently.
II. How IP, DNS, and browser settings work together
Many people assume that once Shadowrocket connects, everything is taken care of. But it’s also helpful to understand the relationship between IP, DNS, and your browser settings. Your IP is the outgoing address that websites see; DNS translates domain names into server addresses; and your browser environment includes information such as language, time zone, cache, cookies, and WebRTC.
- IP: When you connect through a proxy, the destination website will usually see the node’s outgoing IP address rather than your local carrier’s IP.
- DNS: If DNS requests don’t go through the proxy, you may encounter failed lookups, slow access, or DNS leaks. In Shadowrocket, you can enable remote DNS or configure it through rules.
- Browser settings: Even if your IP changes, websites may still infer your environment from account login history, cookies, browser language, and time zone.
Most users don’t need to configure things extensively. However, it’s a good idea to keep your system clock set to update automatically and use a browser language that matches your usual region. If you need to switch environments, clear cookies for the relevant website, then reopen your browser and test again.
III. Recommended rules and connection settings
Beginners can start with “Rule” mode, which sends domestic websites directly and routes international websites through the proxy. This usually offers better speed and compatibility. If an international website won’t load, temporarily switch to “Global Proxy” to test. If it works globally but not in Rule mode, the rules may need updating.
For DNS, start with the client’s default settings. If a domain won’t resolve, a page only loads partway, or an app connects but your browser doesn’t, try changing the DNS server or enabling remote resolution. Avoid installing and running multiple VPN or proxy tools at the same time, as they can conflict.
IV. Connection troubleshooting checklist
If Shadowrocket won’t connect, work through these steps in order to identify the issue:
- Check whether the node has expired, update your subscription, and verify that the server address and port are correct.
- Switch between Wi-Fi and cellular data to rule out restrictions on your local network.
- Check the logs on the Shadowrocket home screen, especially for messages such as timeout, TLS, DNS, or auth failed.
- Try another node to determine whether the problem is with a single node or the client settings.
- Restart Shadowrocket. If necessary, remove the old VPN configuration from your system settings and grant permission again.
In short, the basics of using Shadowrocket are to import a working node, choose suitable rules, check that your IP and DNS are working as expected, and keep your browser settings consistent. If you run into problems, try another node first, then check DNS and rules. Don’t start by repeatedly changing advanced settings.