This guide addresses the practical question, “How do I use Shadowrocket?” It walks you through importing nodes after installation and enabling the connection, then checking whether your IP, DNS, and browser environment are consistent. These steps can help everyday users avoid common issues like being connected but unable to load pages, having a changed IP but leaking DNS, or still seeing websites for the wrong region.
1. Basic steps for using Shadowrocket
Shadowrocket is a commonly used proxy client for iOS. It lets you import nodes or subscription links for V2Ray, VLESS, Trojan, Shadowsocks, and other protocols. Before you start, make sure you have valid node details. We also collect free nodes on this site for testing, but their reliability can vary, so it’s a good idea to have a few backups ready.
- Open Shadowrocket and tap “+” in the upper-right corner.
- If you have a subscription link, select “Subscribe/订阅,” paste the link, and save it. For a single node, select the corresponding protocol and enter the details manually, or scan a QR code to import it.
- Return to the home screen, tap the subscription group, and select a node.
- Turn on the connection switch at the top. The first time you connect, you’ll be prompted to add a VPN configuration. Tap Allow and enter your phone passcode to confirm.
- Once the status shows Connected, open a browser and test a webpage.
If you’re new to Shadowrocket, we recommend starting with subscription link import, which makes it easier to update nodes later. If a node doesn’t work, you can switch to another one in the same group.
2. How IP, DNS, and your browser environment are related
Many people assume that if Shadowrocket shows as connected, everything is working properly. In fact, you should also check that your IP, DNS, and browser environment are consistent. Your IP determines the location websites see for your connection. DNS translates domain names into server addresses. Your browser environment includes details such as language, time zone, cache, cookies, and WebRTC.
- Check your IP: After connecting, visit an IP lookup site and confirm that the reported location matches your node’s location.
- Check your DNS: If your DNS still shows your local internet provider, you may experience slow or inaccessible websites, or a privacy leak.
- Browser environment: If websites still redirect you to local versions, clear your browser cache or check your language, region, and time zone settings.
- WebRTC: Some websites may use WebRTC to expose information about your local network. You can disable the relevant permissions in your browser or try a different browser.
In Shadowrocket, you can check the DNS options under Configuration or Global Settings. Most users don’t need to make complicated changes; start with the client’s default secure settings. If you run into DNS resolution issues, try switching nodes, updating your subscription, or restarting your network connection.
3. Troubleshooting common connection failures
If Shadowrocket can’t load webpages, follow these steps in order to save time. First, make sure your phone’s internet connection is working, and try switching between Wi-Fi and cellular data. Second, update your subscription and select a node again to avoid using an expired one. Third, check the proxy mode. For testing, try Global Proxy first to rule out issues with split-routing rules. Fourth, make sure your system time is set to update automatically; an incorrect time can cause TLS handshake failures. Fifth, turn off any other VPN, ad-blocking, or network-acceleration apps to avoid configuration conflicts.
If only one app doesn’t work but your browser does, the cause is usually a routing rule or a restriction imposed by the service. If no websites load, the problem is more likely to be the node, DNS, or your local network. We recommend keeping two or three nodes from different regions on hand to test, and updating your subscription regularly.
4. Tips for everyday use
For everyday use, avoid changing advanced settings too often. Keep the client up to date, refresh your subscription regularly, and when problems arise, check your IP and DNS first, then your browser cache. As long as you confirm that the node works, DNS is functioning properly, and the browser environment is consistent, Shadowrocket should reliably meet your proxy needs.