This guide explains how to import a subscription into Shadowrocket and why your IP, DNS, and browser environment can affect what you see after connecting. It’s intended for iPhone and iPad users who have just installed Shadowrocket. Follow the steps to import a subscription and perform some basic troubleshooting.
1. What to prepare before importing a subscription into Shadowrocket
Shadowrocket is just a client, so you’ll need a working node link or subscription URL. A subscription is usually a web address beginning with http or https that contains information about multiple nodes. You can use a subscription from a provider you already have, or test with the free nodes listed on this site. However, free nodes can be unreliable, so they’re best for temporary use.
- Make sure Shadowrocket is installed and has permission to add a VPN configuration.
- Have a complete subscription URL ready. Make sure you copy every character.
- Make sure your phone’s current network can access the subscription URL.
- Set your device’s time to update automatically to avoid certificate validation issues.
2. How to import a subscription into Shadowrocket: follow these steps
- Open Shadowrocket and go to the home screen.
- Tap the “+” in the upper-right corner and select “Subscribe” as the type.
- Paste the subscription URL into the URL field. You can enter a note such as “Free nodes” or “Regular subscription.”
- Tap “Done” in the upper-right corner to save.
- Return to the home screen, tap the subscription you just added, then select “Update” or pull down to refresh.
- Once the node list appears, select a node and turn on the connection switch at the top.
If your device prompts you to add a VPN configuration, tap Allow and enter your passcode. Once connected, a VPN icon will usually appear in the status bar. You can then open your browser and test access to the target website.
3. How IP, DNS, and your browser environment affect what you see
IP determines where a website thinks you’re connecting from. When Shadowrocket is connected and the proxy rules are working, the target website will usually see the node’s exit IP, not your local broadband or mobile data IP. You can check this on an IP lookup site, though different services may show slightly different results.
DNS translates domain names into IP addresses. A DNS leak or resolution issue can cause problems such as “connected, but websites won’t open” or “some websites redirect to their local versions.” Shadowrocket can use the default DNS, or you can enable options such as remote DNS or DoH in Settings. Most users should stick with the client’s recommended settings rather than changing things frequently.
Browser environment includes cache, cookies, language, time zone, and WebRTC. Even if your IP has changed, a website may use old cookies or your browser fingerprint to identify your usual region. If you have trouble accessing a site, try private browsing, clear the site data, or compare results in Safari and Chrome.
4. Troubleshooting subscription imports and connection issues
- Subscription won’t update: Check that the URL is complete. Try opening it in Safari; if you see a list of node details or a download prompt, the URL is probably working.
- Empty node list: The subscription may have expired, use an unsupported format, or be temporarily unavailable. Try another subscription.
- Shows as connected, but you can’t access websites: Switch nodes, try global proxy mode, then check your DNS settings and browser cache.
- Only some apps are inaccessible: Check Shadowrocket’s rule mode and confirm whether the affected domain is routed through the proxy. If needed, switch to global mode temporarily to test.
- Frequent disconnections: Try another network, such as switching from Wi-Fi to cellular data, to rule out local network restrictions.
In short, importing a subscription into Shadowrocket comes down to “add the subscription URL—update—select a node—connect.” If the connection doesn’t behave as expected, don’t rely only on the VPN icon. Check your IP, DNS, and browser environment as well to help pinpoint the problem.