This guide explains how to import a subscription into Shadowrocket (小火箭) and why the same subscription may behave differently depending on your IP, DNS, or browser environment. It’s intended for iPhone and iPad users who have just installed Shadowrocket. Follow the steps to import a subscription, test your connection, and troubleshoot common issues.
1. What to prepare before importing a subscription into Shadowrocket
Shadowrocket is a popular proxy client for iOS, but it doesn’t provide servers. You’ll need a valid subscription link, usually starting with https:// and containing information for nodes that use protocols such as VLESS, VMess, Trojan, and Shadowsocks. You can use your own subscription or refer to the free-node pages collected on this site. Free nodes can be unreliable, so it’s a good idea to have a few alternatives ready.
- Make sure Shadowrocket is installed on your iPhone or iPad.
- Copy the complete subscription link, without omitting any characters at the beginning or end.
- Make sure your phone has a working internet connection. It’s best to turn off other VPNs first.
- Set your device to sync the time automatically to avoid certificate or connection verification issues.
2. How to import a subscription into Shadowrocket: step-by-step
- Open Shadowrocket. On the home screen, tap “+” in the upper-right corner.
- Select “Subscribe” or “订阅” as the type.
- Paste the subscription link into the URL field. You can add a remark such as “Free Nodes” or “Backup Subscription.”
- Tap “Done” in the upper-right corner to save it.
- Return to the node list, pull down to refresh, or tap the update button next to the subscription. Wait for the nodes to appear.
- Select a node and turn on the connection switch at the top. The first time you connect, follow the prompts to allow Shadowrocket to add a VPN configuration.
- Once connected, open a browser and visit a website you need to access to test the connection.
If the subscription updates successfully but no nodes appear, first check whether the link has expired, whether you accidentally copied any spaces, or whether you need to sign in to your account in a browser first. A subscription link is not a node link—don’t try to import the entire subscription as a single VLESS or SS node.
3. How IP, DNS, and browser environment affect your connection
Many users assume that successfully importing a subscription means they’ll be able to access every website. In practice, your exit IP, DNS resolution, and browser environment can also affect access. When Shadowrocket is connected, websites see the node’s exit IP. If the target website restricts that IP, you may encounter CAPTCHAs, be unable to sign in, or fail to access the site.
DNS translates domain names into IP addresses. If DNS is being tampered with or resolves a domain to an incorrect address, you may see that the node is connected but webpages won’t load. In Shadowrocket’s settings, use a reliable remote DNS server or enable the DNS configuration recommended by the app. Don’t run multiple proxy or VPN tools at the same time, as their DNS and routing settings may conflict.
Your browser environment can also affect the results. Browser cache, cookies, language, time zone, and WebRTC leaks may cause websites to flag your environment as unusual. Try testing in a private window or compare the results in another browser. If the connection only fails in one browser, the subscription itself is probably not the problem.
4. Quick checklist for troubleshooting connection failures
- Subscription won’t update: Switch networks and try again. Check whether the link opens in a browser and has expired.
- Nodes update, but won’t connect: Try a different node or wait a while and try again.
- Connected, but webpages won’t load: Check your DNS and rule mode, or try a global proxy to test the connection.
- Some apps work, but the browser doesn’t: Clear the browser cache and disable other proxy extensions.
- Frequent disconnections: Try a different network, such as switching from Wi-Fi to cellular data, to help identify the cause.
For everyday use, keep two or three subscriptions from different sources on hand. When something goes wrong, first determine whether the problem is with the subscription, node, network, or browser environment. The core steps for importing a subscription into Shadowrocket are: add the subscription, update the nodes, select a node, and turn on the connection. Troubleshoot each step in this order for the quickest results.