This guide addresses the practical question of how to use Shadowrocket: from importing nodes and enabling the proxy after installation to understanding how IPs, DNS, and your browser environment interact. It can help you avoid common issues such as being connected but unable to open websites, seeing inconsistent IP addresses, or experiencing DNS leaks.
1. Basic Shadowrocket setup
Shadowrocket is a popular proxy client for iOS. It doesn’t provide proxy servers, so you’ll need to import a working node or subscription. We compile information about free nodes here, or you can use a subscription link you already have.
- Install Shadowrocket on your iPhone or iPad. Open the app and allow it to add a VPN configuration.
- Tap “+” in the top-right corner and select “Type.” Common options include Vmess, VLESS, Trojan, and Shadowsocks. Enter the node details, or select “Import from URL” if you have a subscription.
- After importing, return to the home screen, select a node, and turn on the connection switch at the top.
- The first time you connect, iOS will ask for permission to set up a VPN. Tap Allow and enter your device passcode.
- Once connected, a VPN icon will appear in the status bar. Open a browser and try loading a webpage.
If you use a subscription, update it regularly to avoid using expired nodes. Free nodes can be unreliable, so if a connection fails, try another node before reinstalling the app.
2. What IP, DNS, and your browser environment affect
IP is the outgoing address that websites see. Once Shadowrocket is connected, websites you visit will usually see the proxy node’s IP rather than your local network IP. If a lookup still shows your local IP, the proxy may not be working. Possible causes include a disconnected node, rules that don’t match your traffic, or an app that isn’t using the proxy.
DNS translates domain names into IP addresses. If the VPN is connected but some websites won’t open, DNS resolution may be the problem. In its configuration, Shadowrocket can use system DNS or remote DNS. Most users should stick with the default settings. If you run into resolution issues, try switching nodes, updating the configuration, or enabling remote DNS in the client’s DNS settings.
Your browser environment includes cookies, cache, language, time zone, WebRTC, and more. Even if your proxy IP has changed, websites may still identify your environment through your login status, old cookies, or browser fingerprint. When testing, use a private window or clear the target site’s cache before visiting it again.
3. Recommended settings and troubleshooting
- Mode: Beginners should use “Config” or “Rule” mode to connect to domestic websites directly and route overseas traffic through the proxy. For a quick test, you can switch to Global Proxy.
- Test nodes: Try several nodes from the same subscription to rule out a problem with a single node.
- Update subscriptions: If you haven’t updated your imported nodes in a while, update the subscription manually.
- Test in a browser: Visit an IP lookup site in a private window to check whether your outgoing IP has changed.
- Switch networks: If Wi-Fi isn’t working, try cellular data to rule out an issue with your ISP or router.
If you’re connected but can’t open websites, the problem usually isn’t Shadowrocket itself. It’s more likely due to an unavailable node, unsuitable rules, DNS issues, or browser cache. Troubleshoot in this order: switch nodes, update your subscription, switch to Global Proxy, change networks, then test in a private window.
4. Things to keep in mind
Shadowrocket is just a client app. Its reliability depends on node quality and your network conditions. When using free nodes, avoid signing in to important accounts or transmitting sensitive information. If you must sign in, make sure the site uses HTTPS and avoid configurations from untrusted sources. Keep your subscription up to date and understand the difference between IP and DNS, and you’ll be able to resolve most common questions about using Shadowrocket.