This article answers common questions about “how to use Shadowrocket”: after installing it on an iPhone or iPad, how to import nodes or a subscription, connect and test it, and what IP, DNS, and browser settings each affect. It’s written as a step-by-step guide for first-time Shadowrocket users.
1. Basic steps for using Shadowrocket
Shadowrocket, often nicknamed “Little Rocket,” is a popular proxy client for iOS. It does not provide proxy servers, so you’ll need to import working nodes or a subscription link. This site collects information on some free nodes, or you can use a subscription you already have.
- Install the app: Install Shadowrocket on your iPhone or iPad, then open it and allow it to add a VPN configuration. Tap “Allow” when prompted by iOS.
- Import nodes: For a subscription link, tap “+” in the upper-right corner, select “Subscribe/Subscription,” paste the link, and save it. For a single node link, copy it and return to Shadowrocket; it will usually detect and import it automatically.
- Update the subscription: Open the subscription entry and tap Update. Wait for the node list to refresh. Free nodes may stop working, so it’s a good idea to update before connecting.
- Choose a node and connect: Select a node on the home screen and turn on the switch at the top. The first time you connect, you’ll be asked for VPN permission. Confirm, and the VPN icon will appear in the status bar.
- Test access: Open a browser and visit a site you want to test, or check latency and logs in Shadowrocket to confirm that the proxy is working.
2. How IP, DNS, and browser settings relate
IP is the outgoing address a website sees. After you connect to Shadowrocket, if the rules match correctly, the target website will generally see the node’s outgoing IP rather than your local network IP. You can check whether it has changed using an IP lookup site.
DNS translates domain names into server addresses. Incorrect DNS settings can cause problems such as being connected to the VPN but unable to open websites, or having domains resolve to the wrong address. If you’re a typical user, start with Shadowrocket’s default DNS or remote DNS, and avoid entering DNS addresses you don’t trust.
Browser settings include cookies, language, time zone, cache, and account sign-in status. Even if your IP has changed, a website may still identify your browsing environment through sign-in records or browser cache. When troubleshooting, try private browsing, clearing your cache, or testing in a different browser.
3. Recommended basic settings
- If you’re new to the app, use “Configuration/Rule” mode rather than starting with global proxy mode, which can slow down access to domestic apps.
- After updating your subscription, prioritize nodes with lower latency that have worked recently, but keep in mind that latency doesn’t necessarily reflect the actual experience.
- If a website won’t open, temporarily switch to “Global” mode to check whether the rules are the problem.
- Don’t run multiple VPN apps at the same time. iOS usually allows only one VPN configuration to be active at once.
4. Troubleshooting connection failures
If Shadowrocket isn’t working, check these items in order: whether the node has expired, whether the subscription has been updated, whether VPN permission is enabled in iOS, and whether your current network restricts proxy connections. Try switching between Wi-Fi and cellular data, then test another node.
If it shows as connected but webpages won’t open, check DNS and rules. Look in the Shadowrocket logs for messages such as rejected, timeout, or dns failed. A timeout usually means the node is unavailable or the network is unstable. If only certain websites won’t open, the issue may be with the routing rules; update them or temporarily test in Global mode.
In short, using Shadowrocket comes down to importing working nodes, choosing suitable rules, and confirming that your IP and DNS are behaving as expected. Free nodes are suitable for temporary testing or as backups. If you use the app regularly, update your subscription often and keep several nodes available to switch between.