This guide explains how to use Shadowrocket (“小火箭”) and why teams sharing nodes often encounter dropped connections, account issues, and unstable environments. Follow the steps to install the app, import a subscription, and organize nodes into groups. With consistent settings, you can also reduce the risks associated with frequently changing IP addresses.
1. When to Use Shadowrocket
Chinese-speaking users often call Shadowrocket “小火箭” (“Little Rocket”). It is primarily used on iPhone and iPad to import proxy nodes such as V2Ray, VLESS, Trojan, and Shadowsocks, and to route network traffic according to rules. For individual users, it handles connectivity and traffic routing. For teams, the bigger concern is maintaining a stable account environment: frequently switching the same business account between regions and exit IPs may trigger a platform’s risk controls.
For this reason, teams should avoid having everyone switch nodes at will. Instead, assign relatively stable connections by team member, business, or platform, and keep a record of those assignments.
2. Installing the App and Importing Nodes
- Install Shadowrocket on your iOS device, then open the app.
- Get a working node or subscription link. You can use your own VPN subscription, or check the free VPN nodes on this site to test connectivity.
- Tap “+” in the top-right corner, then select “Subscribe” or the relevant protocol type.
- Paste the subscription URL and enter a name, such as “Team – Test Subscription.”
- Return to the home screen, pull down to refresh the subscription, and select a node.
- Turn on the connection switch at the top. The first time you connect, follow the prompts to allow the app to add a VPN configuration.
- Open a browser and check whether you can access the target website. If you can’t, try another node in the same group.
If you have an individual vmess, vless, trojan, or ss link, you can copy it and open Shadowrocket. It will usually recognize and import the link automatically. If it doesn’t, add it manually.
3. Team Use: Keeping Account Environments Stable
When working as a team, the key isn’t “which node is fastest,” but keeping the same account on a consistent exit environment whenever possible. We recommend managing things as follows:
- Assign a fixed node or region to each business account instead of switching randomly every day.
- Have each team member stick to the same device and network habits, and avoid logging in from different regions too often.
- Keep test nodes separate from nodes used with production accounts. Don’t use production accounts to test connectivity.
- Test nodes after refreshing the subscription before switching them into production use, so an unexpected failure doesn’t disrupt work.
If team members need to access different platforms, you can organize nodes into configuration groups in Shadowrocket and label them clearly, for example, “Account A – US,” “Temporary – Asset Downloads,” or “Customer Support – Fixed.” This helps reduce the chance of selecting the wrong node.
4. Recommended Settings
On Shadowrocket’s “Config” page, you can choose traffic routing rules. Most users should use automatic routing or rule-based mode, which sends domestic websites directly and routes overseas websites through the proxy, reducing unnecessary latency. If an app can’t connect to the internet, try switching to global proxy mode to determine whether the problem lies with the rules or the node.
DNS settings can usually be left at their defaults. If DNS resolution fails or webpages won’t load even though the node shows as connected, try changing the configuration file or switching to another node. In a team environment, have one administrator manage the subscription link to prevent members from independently importing nodes from unknown sources.
5. Troubleshooting Connection Failures and Issues
- Subscription update fails: Check that the subscription URL is complete. You may need to log in to your VPN provider’s dashboard and copy it again.
- The node connects, but webpages won’t load: Switch to global routing for a test, or try another node in the same region.
- Frequent disconnections: The node may be congested, the network may be switching, or the system may be restricting background activity. First, test a different Wi-Fi or cellular network.
- Account flagged for unusual activity: Reduce region switching, stick to one node for a while, and avoid having multiple people log in to the same account simultaneously.
In short, the basics of using Shadowrocket are simple: install the app, import a subscription, select a node, and connect. For teams, the main things to manage are node assignments, login habits, and routing rules. Clearly label nodes and avoid switching at random to keep both your proxy experience and account environment more stable.