This article addresses the practical question, “How do I use Shadowrocket?” It explains how to import V2Ray, VLESS, Trojan, SS, and other nodes or subscriptions on an iPhone or iPad, connect, and understand how IP addresses, DNS, and your browser environment relate to one another. This can help you avoid common issues such as being connected but unable to open webpages, IP mismatches, and DNS leaks.
1. Installation and preparation
Shadowrocket is a popular proxy client for iOS and is usually available from the App Store. After installing it, you’ll need a working node or subscription link. Nodes may use formats such as vmess, vless, trojan, or ss, or you may have a subscription URL. This site puts together free node resources for temporary testing, but free nodes can be unreliable, so it’s a good idea to have a few alternatives ready.
Before you start, make sure your iOS device’s clock is correct, your internet connection is working, and Shadowrocket is allowed to add a VPN configuration. The first time you connect, iOS will prompt you to allow the VPN configuration. Tap Allow and follow the instructions to verify.
2. How to import nodes into Shadowrocket
- Open Shadowrocket and tap “+” in the top-right corner.
- If you have a link for a single node, copy it and open Shadowrocket; the app will usually recognize it automatically. You can also select a type and manually enter details such as the server, port, UUID, and encryption settings.
- If you have a subscription link, go to the relevant “Configuration” or “Subscription” section, paste the URL, and tap Update.
- Return to the home screen, select a node, and tap the switch at the top to connect.
- Once connected, visit an IP lookup website in your browser to check whether your outgoing IP address has changed.
Subscriptions are generally more convenient for everyday users because they make it easier to update nodes. If a subscription won’t update, first check that the link is complete and hasn’t been broken by a line break, then try switching between Wi-Fi and cellular data.
3. How IP, DNS, and your browser environment are related
Many people assume that seeing “Connected” in Shadowrocket means everything is working as it should. In fact, you should also check three things: your outgoing IP address, DNS resolution, and your browser environment. Your outgoing IP address determines where websites think you’re connecting from; DNS determines who resolves domain names; and your browser environment includes settings and data such as language, time zone, cookies, cache, and WebRTC.
- IP address hasn’t changed: The target website may not be routed through the proxy in rule mode. Try switching to global proxy mode or selecting the correct rule.
- DNS issues: These may prevent webpages from loading or redirect you to a local page. In Shadowrocket’s settings, try enabling remote DNS or using the DNS recommended by the client.
- Your browser still shows the old environment: Clear the browser cache, disable location access, and, if necessary, test in a private window.
- WebRTC is exposing local network details: Some browsers may leak local network information. You can restrict WebRTC in your browser settings or with an extension.
4. Troubleshooting common connection failures
If a node won’t connect, don’t rush to reinstall the app. Check the following in order: whether the node has expired, whether the port is correct, whether the protocol type matches, whether the subscription updated successfully, and whether your current network is blocking the connection. A “timeout” usually means the node is unavailable or the connection is being blocked. An “authentication failed” error usually points to an incorrect password, UUID, or transport parameter.
Try testing two or three nodes first, then switch from rule mode to global mode to verify the connection. If global mode works but rule mode doesn’t, the issue is with the routing rules. If none of the nodes work, the subscription may have expired, your network may be restricted, or the client may be misconfigured. As a last resort, restart your phone, turn VPN access off and back on, and import the subscription again.
5. Tips for using Shadowrocket
For everyday use, keep one reliable subscription and a few backup nodes. Before visiting different websites, check that your outgoing IP address and DNS results are consistent. Don’t use free nodes to log in to important accounts or transfer sensitive information; public nodes are better suited to browsing, temporary access, and connectivity tests. With the steps above, you should be able to tell whether a problem with Shadowrocket is caused by the node, DNS, or your browser environment.