This article addresses the practical question of how to import a subscription into Shadowrocket (“Little Rocket”). It shows you how to add a subscription link, update nodes, and choose a route on your iPhone or iPad, and explains why your IP, DNS, and browser environment can affect what you see when accessing websites.
1. What to prepare before importing a subscription into Shadowrocket
Shadowrocket is a popular proxy client for iOS, but it does not provide nodes itself. You’ll need to import a working subscription link or add an individual node. A subscription is usually a URL containing information for multiple V2Ray, VLESS, Trojan, Shadowsocks, and other nodes. This site offers free nodes and subscription guides, or you can use a subscription from a service you already have.
- Make sure Shadowrocket is installed and allow it to add a VPN configuration.
- Have an accessible subscription link ready, and take care not to leave out any characters when copying it.
- Copy the entire link from Safari or Notes, and make sure it contains no spaces.
2. How to import a subscription into Shadowrocket
- Open Shadowrocket and tap “+” in the upper-right corner of the main screen.
- Set the type to Subscribe or “Subscription.”
- Paste your subscription link into the URL field. You can enter “freevpn-x” or another name in the remark field to make it easier to identify.
- Tap “Done/Save” in the upper-right corner, then return to the main screen.
- Swipe left on the subscription group or tap its info button, select “Update,” and wait for the nodes to load.
- Select a node and turn on the connection switch at the top. The first time you connect, iOS will ask to add a VPN configuration. Tap Allow, then enter your passcode or use Face ID.
If the subscription imports successfully but the nodes don’t work, try testing several nodes rather than judging by just one. Free nodes may be unavailable, congested, or region-restricted. Importing a subscription doesn’t guarantee that you’ll be able to connect.
3. How your IP, DNS, and browser environment are related
After connecting to Shadowrocket, websites will usually see the proxy node’s exit IP rather than the IP address of your local broadband or mobile connection. If a website still detects your original IP, you may not be connected, your traffic may not be routed through the proxy, or the site may be set to use a direct connection.
DNS translates domain names into IP addresses. In some cases, the proxy connection works but websites won’t load because of DNS pollution, a DNS leak, or DNS requests being sent over your local network. In Shadowrocket, check the settings under “Configuration – DNS.” Most users should stick with the client’s default settings; if you run into issues, try a commonly used public DNS server or enable remote DNS resolution.
Your browser environment can also affect the results. For example, Safari or Chrome cache, cookies, language, time zone, and WebRTC settings may reveal your actual browsing environment to websites. If your IP test looks normal but some sites still report that you’re in the wrong region, try private browsing, clear your cookies, or turn off the browser’s location permission.
4. Troubleshooting import and connection issues
- Subscription won’t update: Check that the link is complete. Try opening it in Safari to see whether it returns node content or subscription information.
- No nodes appear: The subscription may have expired, use an incompatible format, or be blocked by your network. Try switching networks and updating it again.
- Connected, but webpages won’t load: Switch nodes and check your routing mode. Try “Global Proxy” first.
- IP hasn’t changed: Make sure the VPN icon appears at the top of the screen, and check whether the current website is set to connect directly by your rules.
- An app isn’t using the proxy: Check Shadowrocket’s rules and routing configuration, and see whether the app uses a special network policy.
In summary, importing a subscription into Shadowrocket comes down to adding the subscription link, updating it, choosing a node, and connecting. After connecting, check your IP, DNS, browser cache, and routing mode together to confirm that the proxy is working. If you run into problems, follow the troubleshooting steps above to find the cause.