This article explains how to import a subscription into Shadowrocket and why you should also pay attention to your IP, DNS, and browser environment after importing it. It’s intended for users who already have a subscription link and want to connect to a node using Shadowrocket on an iPhone or iPad.
1. How to import a subscription into Shadowrocket
Shadowrocket is a popular proxy client for iOS. Once you import a subscription, it will automatically display the node list. First, make sure you have a working subscription link. This site also curates some free nodes and subscription resources, but the reliability of free resources can vary, so check whether they work for you.
- Open Shadowrocket and tap “+” in the top-right corner of the home screen.
- Set the type to Subscribe or “Subscription.”
- Paste your subscription link into the URL field. You can enter “freevpn” or a custom name in the remarks field.
- Tap “Done/Save” in the top-right corner. Return to the home screen and pull down to refresh the subscription.
- Once the refresh is complete, select a node and turn on the connection switch at the top.
- The first time you connect, you’ll be prompted to add a VPN configuration. Tap Allow, then confirm with Face ID, your passcode, or Touch ID.
Shadowrocket can usually recognize common formats such as vless, vmess, trojan, and ss. If no nodes appear after importing, first check that the link is complete. Make sure, in particular, that it includes the https:// prefix and any parameters at the end.
2. How do IP, DNS, and your browser environment relate to a successful import?
Many users assume that seeing “Connected” in Shadowrocket means everything is working properly. In fact, you should also check three things: your exit IP, DNS resolution, and browser fingerprint.
- IP: After connecting, visit an IP lookup site. The IP shown should be the proxy node’s exit IP, not your local ISP’s IP.
- DNS: DNS is used to resolve domain names. If DNS requests still go through your local network, websites may not load, your location may be detected incorrectly, or DNS leaks may occur.
- Browser environment: Your browser language, time zone, cache, cookies, and WebRTC information may not match the node’s region, which can trigger risk controls on some websites.
Most users don’t need to configure anything complicated. We recommend enabling global routing in Shadowrocket first to check that webpages load, then switching to “Config/Rule” mode for everyday use. If you frequently switch between nodes in different regions, consider clearing cookies for the relevant sites to prevent old login data from affecting detection.
3. How to troubleshoot connection or subscription update failures
If something fails, don’t make random changes to your settings. It’s more efficient to check the following in order:
- Make sure your phone has a working internet connection. Try switching between Wi-Fi and cellular data.
- If the subscription won’t update, open the subscription link in a browser to check whether it’s accessible or has expired.
- If the node connects but webpages won’t load, try another node to rule out a problem with that particular node.
- Check Shadowrocket’s routing mode. Verify the connection in global mode first, then switch to rule mode.
- Turn off any other VPNs, proxies, or ad-blocking DNS tools on your device to avoid conflicts.
- Restart Shadowrocket or your phone, then refresh the subscription again.
If new nodes simply aren’t appearing, the subscription may be cached or the link may have expired. If nodes appear but all time out, the nodes are probably unavailable, the network may be blocking the connection, or the protocol may not be supported on your current network. In that case, try a different subscription source or test a node that uses another protocol.
4. Practical tips
After importing a subscription, give it a clear name, refresh it regularly, and keep one or two backup subscriptions. When using free nodes, keep in mind that availability can change over time and vary by region and network environment. Finally, don’t rely on the Shadowrocket switch alone to confirm that you’re connected. Also check whether your IP has changed, DNS is working properly, and your browser environment is consistent.