This article covers how to import a subscription into Shadowrocket, along with common issues after importing, such as connection failures, websites not loading, an incorrect IP location, or DNS leak warnings. “小火箭” usually refers to Shadowrocket on iOS. The basic process is to get a working subscription link, import it into the app, select a node, enable the proxy, and then check your browser and network environment.
1. Basic steps for importing a subscription into Shadowrocket
Before you start, make sure your subscription link is a complete URL, usually beginning with https://. This site provides guides to free nodes and subscriptions. You can also use an existing VPN subscription or a temporary test subscription.
- Open Shadowrocket on your iPhone.
- Tap “+” in the upper-right corner to open the configuration page.
- Select Subscribe or “Subscription” as the type.
- Paste the subscription link into the URL field. You can enter a name such as “Backup subscription” or “Free nodes” in the remarks field to make it easier to tell them apart.
- Tap “Done” or “Save” in the upper-right corner. Return to the home screen and pull down to refresh the subscription.
- Once the refresh is complete, several nodes should appear in the list. Select one and turn on the switch at the top.
- The first time you enable it, iOS will prompt you to add a VPN configuration. Tap Allow and enter your passcode.
If no nodes appear after importing the subscription, first check that the link was copied in full, that it doesn’t contain any extra spaces, and that the subscription address hasn’t expired.
2. How subscriptions, IPs, DNS, and your browser environment are related
Many users assume that importing a subscription guarantees access, but connection performance also depends on your IP, DNS, and browser environment. A subscription is simply a list of nodes. Your IP is the public-facing address assigned after you connect to a node. DNS translates domain names into IP addresses. Your browser environment includes information such as your cache, cookies, language, time zone, and WebRTC settings.
- IP address unchanged: Shadowrocket may not be enabled, your rules may not be routing traffic through the proxy, the node may have failed to connect, or the app you’re using may not be going through the VPN.
- DNS issues: Websites may load slowly, some sites may redirect incorrectly, or a DNS check may report that your DNS location doesn’t match your IP location.
- Browser cache effects: A website may remember your previous login location, language, and cookies, making it seem as though the proxy isn’t working.
- WebRTC leaks: Some browsers may expose information about your local network. Consider restricting the relevant permissions in your browser’s privacy settings.
3. Troubleshooting connection issues after a successful import
Before repeatedly deleting the app, try these checks in order. First, test two or three different nodes; free nodes are often unstable. Second, make sure the switch at the top of Shadowrocket is on and that the VPN indicator appears in your iPhone’s status bar. Third, check the proxy mode on the configuration page. Most users should start with “Config” or “Rule” mode. If you’re not sure how the rules work, you can temporarily switch to Global mode to test.
Fourth, refresh the subscription. If you see a timeout, 401, 404, or a blank screen, the subscription link may be unavailable, your network may be unable to reach the subscription address, or the subscription may have expired. Fifth, try a different network, such as switching from Wi-Fi to cellular data, to rule out restrictions from your router, campus network, or workplace network.
4. Practical ways to check your IP, DNS, and browser environment
After connecting to a node, open a browser and visit an IP lookup site to see whether your public IP has changed. Then visit a DNS test page and check whether the DNS location roughly matches the proxy’s exit location. If your IP looks correct but a particular website still identifies you incorrectly, try clearing that site’s cookies, using a private browsing window, or testing another browser.
If you only need to browse the web, it’s best to leave Shadowrocket’s rules at their defaults and avoid changing complex routing rules. If you can use chat apps but websites won’t load, focus on checking DNS. If websites load but your account shows the wrong location, check your browser cache, language, and time zone. Understanding how these factors work together makes importing subscriptions into Shadowrocket and troubleshooting connection issues much easier.