This guide answers the key question, “How do I use Shadowrocket?” It explains how to add a subscription or individual node on an iPhone or iPad, connect to a proxy, and check whether your IP, DNS, and browser environment are working as expected. It’s suitable for first-time Shadowrocket users.
1. Getting started: Install the app and get a node
Shadowrocket is commonly used to manage proxy connections on iOS devices. After installing it, you’ll also need a working proxy node or subscription link. Common protocols include Vmess, VLESS, Trojan, and Shadowsocks. This site collects some free nodes for testing, but their reliability can change over time, so treat them as a temporary option for trying things out or troubleshooting.
Before you begin, check three things: your device’s system time is correct, your internet connection is working, and your node details haven’t expired. Many connection failures aren’t caused by the app itself, but by an inactive node, an outdated subscription, or restrictions on your local network.
2. Import a subscription or node into Shadowrocket
- Open Shadowrocket and go to the home screen, then tap “+” in the upper-right corner.
- If you have a subscription link, set “Type” to Subscribe or paste the subscription URL directly into the URL field, then tap Done.
- Return to the home screen, pull down to refresh or open the subscription entry to update it, and wait for the node list to load.
- If you have a link for an individual node, such as vmess://, vless://, or trojan://, copy the link and open Shadowrocket. It will usually recognize and import it automatically. You can also tap “+” to add it manually.
- Select a node from the list and tap the toggle at the top. The first time you connect, you’ll be prompted to add a VPN configuration. Tap Allow and enter your device passcode.
Once connected, a VPN icon will usually appear in the iOS status bar. This doesn’t necessarily mean everything is working as expected—you should also check your outbound IP and DNS.
3. What IP, DNS, and browser environment mean
IP is the network address websites see when you connect. After connecting to Shadowrocket, visit an IP lookup site. If it shows a location matching your node, the proxy is probably working. If it still shows your local ISP’s IP, the proxy may not be enabled, your rules may not be matching, or the node may be unavailable.
DNS translates domain names into server addresses. In some cases, your IP may have changed while DNS is still using your local ISP’s resolver, which can cause access issues or expose your browsing activity. You can check the DNS settings in your Shadowrocket configuration. If you’re a typical user, it’s best to use the default or a reputable public DNS service rather than entering an address you don’t recognize.
Your browser environment also includes settings such as language, time zone, cache, cookies, and WebRTC. Shadowrocket doesn’t automatically change all of these. For example, if you connect through a US node but your browser language is still Chinese and your time zone is still set to China, that’s normal. For a more consistent environment, clear your browser cache, disable location access, and adjust your system language and time zone if needed.
4. Common connection issues and how to troubleshoot them
- Try switching between two or three nodes to see whether only one node is unavailable.
- Update your subscription so you aren’t using expired node details.
- Make sure Shadowrocket is turned on and that you’ve selected a working node.
- Switch from Wi-Fi to cellular data to rule out local network restrictions.
- Restart Shadowrocket or your phone, then try connecting again.
- If you can connect but can’t open websites, try switching rule modes—for example, switch from configuration rules to global proxy mode for testing.
A good rule of thumb is to check the node first, then the rules, and finally DNS and your browser environment. Avoid changing multiple settings at once, or it’ll be harder to identify the problem. For beginners, successfully importing a subscription and seeing your IP change after connecting means you’ve covered the basics of Shadowrocket. You can fine-tune your rules and environment later as needed.