This guide explains how to import a subscription into Shadowrocket (小火箭) and why the same subscription may fail to import, connect, or load webpages on different networks or with different DNS or browser settings. It’s intended for iPhone and iPad users who have just installed Shadowrocket and want to troubleshoot step by step.
1. Basic steps for importing a subscription into Shadowrocket
Shadowrocket typically imports multiple nodes at once using a subscription link. First, get a working subscription URL. It may come from a VPN service, a personal subscription, or a page on this site listing free nodes. Note that free nodes may stop working at any time, so it’s a good idea to have a few alternatives ready.
- Open Shadowrocket on your iOS device.
- Tap the “+” in the top-right corner to open the configuration page.
- Select “Subscribe” or “Subscription” as the type.
- Paste the subscription link in the URL field. You can enter “freevpn” or a custom name in the remarks field.
- Tap “Done/Save,” return to the home screen, and pull down to refresh the subscription.
- Once the refresh succeeds, the nodes will appear in the list. Select one and turn on the connection switch at the top.
If you copied the subscription from a webpage, make sure you haven’t included extra spaces, Chinese explanatory text, or line breaks. Subscription links usually start with http or https. Some links contain a token that others could use if exposed, so avoid sharing them publicly.
2. How your IP and DNS can affect importing
Many users assume a failed import means the node is down, but the problem may also be caused by the current network environment. Shadowrocket needs to access the subscription server when refreshing. If your local network blocks access to the subscription URL, or your carrier’s DNS is having issues, the refresh may time out, show a blank screen, or fail.
- IP environment: Company Wi-Fi, campus networks, and public hotspots may restrict access to proxy subscription URLs. Try switching to mobile data.
- DNS resolution: If the domain won’t load, try setting a common public DNS server in your Wi-Fi settings, or switch networks and refresh again.
- Time settings: An incorrect iPhone time can interfere with HTTPS certificate validation. Turn on “Set Automatically.”
- Subscription format: Shadowrocket supports common proxy links, but if the subscription contains Clash-specific YAML, you may need to convert it or use a compatible client.
3. Can your browser affect copying a subscription?
Yes. Some browsers open subscription links automatically, displaying a jumble of text or prompting you to download a file. This doesn’t necessarily mean the link is invalid. Copy the full link rather than the contents of the page that opens. If the link won’t open in Safari, try long-pressing it, selecting “Copy Link,” and pasting it into Shadowrocket.
Some webpages also show the actual subscription URL only after you log in. If you copy the link while logged out, you may get only a redirect URL. In that case, check that you’re logged in, then copy the link associated with the “Subscription URL” or “One-click subscription” button.
4. Quick checks if webpages won’t load after connecting
A successful subscription import doesn’t guarantee that a node will work. Try these steps in order:
- Try other nodes in the same subscription. Start with ones showing lower latency, but don’t judge by latency alone.
- Make sure Shadowrocket is switched on and the VPN indicator appears at the top of your iOS screen.
- Check the global routing setting in Shadowrocket. If you’re a regular user, start with the default “Config” rules.
- Turn Wi-Fi off and back on, or test using mobile data to rule out local network issues.
- If webpages fail to load in only one browser, clear its DNS cache or browser cache, or try Safari.
If multiple subscriptions fail to refresh across different networks, the subscription source may no longer be available. If the subscription imports but none of the nodes work, the nodes may have expired or the protocol may be incompatible. Try a new subscription source, or compare results using clients such as Clash or sing-box. The general rule is to first confirm that the subscription link is valid, then check the network, DNS, and client settings, and finally assess the node quality.