This article answers common questions about “how to use Shadowrocket”: how to import nodes or subscriptions on an iPhone or iPad, enable the proxy, and understand how IP, DNS, and your browser environment interact—so you can avoid issues like “connected, but webpages won’t load” or “my IP changed, but DNS is leaking.”
1. Basic steps for using Shadowrocket
Shadowrocket is a popular iOS proxy client that supports common protocols such as V2Ray, VLESS, Trojan, and Shadowsocks. It does not provide proxy servers itself, so you’ll need to import a working node or subscription link. This site also compiles free nodes for temporary testing, but their reliability depends on actual connection conditions.
- Install Shadowrocket on your iPhone or iPad, then open it and go to the home screen.
- Tap “+” in the upper-right corner. If you have a subscription link, select “Subscribe/订阅,” paste the URL, and save it. If you have a link for a single node, copy it and open Shadowrocket; it will usually recognize and import it automatically.
- Return to the node list and select a node. Make sure a checkmark appears next to it.
- Tap the switch at the top of the home screen. The first time you do this, you’ll be prompted to add a VPN configuration. Tap “Allow” and verify with your passcode or Face ID.
- When the status shows Connected, open a browser and visit a test website to confirm that pages load normally.
If you’re using a subscription, update it regularly by tapping the subscription entry. This helps prevent you from using outdated information after nodes expire or configurations change.
2. What IP, DNS, and your browser environment affect
IP determines where websites think you’re connecting from. Once Shadowrocket connects, the public IP shown to websites will usually change to the IP of your selected node. If it doesn’t, the rules may not be matching, global proxy mode may not be enabled, or the app you’re using may not be routing traffic through the proxy.
DNS translates domain names into IP addresses. Many people assume that a lit VPN icon means their connection is secure, but if DNS requests are still going through your local network, you may encounter access issues, DNS spoofing, or DNS leaks. Shadowrocket lets you configure remote DNS, DoH/DoT, or rule-based DNS. Most users should start with the client’s recommended default settings and avoid combining multiple DNS configurations without a clear reason.
Your browser environment includes language, time zone, cache, cookies, WebRTC, and more. Even after your proxy IP changes, your browser may still reveal aspects of your environment through signed-in accounts, existing cookies, or WebRTC. This usually has little impact on everyday browsing. If you need a more consistent environment, clear your cookies, disable WebRTC, or use a separate browser profile.
3. Choosing a proxy mode
- Config/Rule mode: Best for everyday use. Domestic websites connect directly, while overseas websites use the proxy, balancing speed and compatibility.
- Global mode: Routes all traffic through the node. Useful for troubleshooting, but it may slow down domestic apps.
- Direct mode: Bypasses the proxy. Use it to temporarily turn off the proxy or test your local network.
New users should start with Rule mode. If a website won’t open, temporarily switch to Global mode to test it. If it works in Global mode but not in Rule mode, the rules probably aren’t matching or the routing configuration needs an update.
4. Troubleshooting connection failures and webpages that won’t load
- Try a different node. Free nodes may be offline, congested, or blocked by the website you’re trying to reach.
- Make sure the VPN icon appears in the system status bar and that Shadowrocket’s home screen doesn’t show Disconnected.
- Check whether your subscription has expired. Update it manually, then select a node again.
- Switch networks—for example, from Wi-Fi to cellular data—to rule out issues with your router or your carrier’s DNS.
- Switch to Global mode to test. If it works there, the issue is probably with your rules or DNS settings.
- Close other VPNs, network accelerators, and proxy apps to prevent conflicts between network extensions.
In short, using Shadowrocket comes down to importing a working node, choosing the right mode, making sure both IP and DNS traffic are routed as expected, and keeping browser caches and other identifying traces in mind. Work through the steps above one by one to resolve most connection and access issues.