How to Use Shadowrocket: Import Nodes, Connect, and Check Your IP, DNS, and Browser Environment

This article explains how to use Shadowrocket: importing nodes and enabling the proxy after installation, then checking whether your IP, DNS, and browser environment are consistent. It will help you confirm that the connection is working and troubleshoot common issues.

1. Basic Shadowrocket Setup

Chinese-speaking users often call Shadowrocket “Little Rocket.” It is primarily used on iPhone and iPad to import nodes or subscription links for V2Ray, VLESS, Trojan, SS, and other protocols. Before you begin, make sure you have a working node or subscription. This site also compiles free nodes for testing, but their reliability can vary, so the best way to assess them is to check whether they connect successfully.

1. Open Shadowrocket and tap “+” in the upper-right corner.
2. For a single node, select the appropriate type and enter the server, port, UUID/password, and other details. For a subscription, select “Subscribe/Subscription” and paste the subscription URL.
3. After saving, return to the home screen and tap the subscription to update it manually, making sure the node list has loaded.
4. Select a node and turn on the connection switch at the top. The first time you do this, you’ll be prompted to add a VPN configuration; tap “Allow.”
5. Once the status shows that you’re connected, open a browser and visit an IP-checking website to confirm that your public IP has changed.

For testing, start with a node set to automatic selection or one with low latency. Avoid importing too many configurations from unknown sources at once, as this can make troubleshooting more difficult.

2. How IP, DNS, and Your Browser Environment Are Related

Many people assume that if Shadowrocket says “Connected,” everything is working. In fact, you should also check that your IP, DNS, and browser environment are consistent. Your IP indicates the apparent location from which you access websites; DNS resolves domain names to IP addresses; and your browser environment includes your language, time zone, WebRTC, cached cookies, and more.

• IP unchanged: The node may be unavailable, your traffic may not be routed through the proxy, or the system VPN may not actually be enabled.
• DNS leak: Websites may still see DNS requests coming from your local ISP, which can cause access issues or expose your privacy.
• A significant mismatch between your browser’s language or time zone and the location of your exit IP may trigger risk-control checks on some websites.
• WebRTC may expose information about your local network. You can disable it in your browser settings or with an extension.

In Shadowrocket, you can check your DNS settings in the configuration profile. Most users should stick with the client’s default settings or a well-known public DNS provider; avoid entering DNS servers from unfamiliar sources. If certain websites redirect unexpectedly, clear your browser cache and cookies, or try again in a private window.

3. Troubleshooting Connection Failures

If you can’t connect, the quickest approach is usually to check things in this order: switch nodes, update your subscription, then check your network and rules. Don’t start by changing advanced settings.

1. Make sure your phone’s internet connection is working. Test Wi-Fi and cellular data separately.
2. Update your subscription in Shadowrocket to avoid using expired nodes.
3. Try two or three nodes using different locations or protocols.
4. Check your proxy mode. If you’re new to Shadowrocket, try “Global” mode first. Once the connection works, switch back to rule-based mode.
5. Close any other VPNs, accelerators, or security apps that could conflict with the configuration.
6. If only one website won’t load, the issue may be a restriction imposed by that site, a DNS cache problem, or a browser cookie issue.

Keep in mind that an expired subscription link, blocked nodes, or account traffic limits can all prevent Shadowrocket from connecting. These issues can’t be fully resolved within the client; you’ll need to switch to a working node or contact your subscription provider.

4. Usage Tips

For everyday use, keep one reliable subscription and a few free backup nodes for occasional testing. Check your IP and DNS regularly after connecting, especially before signing in to important accounts, to make sure everything is consistent. If you’re just browsing, rule-based mode uses less battery. If you need to verify that all traffic is routed through the proxy, temporarily use Global mode for testing.