This guide answers the practical question “How do I use Shadowrocket?” It explains how to import nodes or subscriptions on an iPhone or iPad, enable the proxy, and understand why your IP, DNS, and browser environment can affect access after connecting. It’s intended for everyday users who have just installed Shadowrocket and can see nodes but aren’t sure how to configure them.
1. Basic steps for using Shadowrocket
Shadowrocket, often called “小火箭” (Little Rocket), is mainly used on iOS to connect to proxy nodes such as V2Ray, VLESS, Trojan, and Shadowsocks. Before you begin, make sure you have a working node link or subscription URL. This site also shares free nodes for testing, but their reliability may vary over time.
- Open Shadowrocket and tap “+” in the top-right corner.
- For a single node, select the appropriate type and paste the server details or full share link.
- For a subscription, set “Type” to Subscribe, paste the subscription URL, save it, and tap Update.
- Return to the home screen, select a node, and turn on the switch at the top.
- The first time you connect, iOS will ask to add a VPN configuration. Tap Allow and enter your device passcode.
After connecting, a VPN icon will usually appear in the status bar. Open a browser and visit an IP lookup site to check whether your exit IP has changed. If it hasn’t, the proxy may not be working, or the rules may not cover your current traffic.
2. What IP, DNS, and your browser environment affect
IP is the exit address that websites see when you visit them. After connecting to Shadowrocket, sites will usually see the IP of the node’s region rather than your local network IP. Many streaming services, search engines, and account security systems take IP location into account.
DNS translates domain names into IP addresses. If DNS requests still go through your local network, websites may fail to load, resolve to the wrong region, or even expose your DNS requests. In Shadowrocket, open “Configuration” or “Settings” and check whether DNS is set to a recommended value for your proxy rules. Most users don’t need to make complex changes; it’s best to use the client’s default settings or a reputable configuration file.
Your browser environment includes your language, time zone, cache, cookies, and WebRTC settings. Even if your proxy IP has changed, websites may still infer your environment from your browser cache or account history. If a site shows the wrong region, try private browsing, clearing your cookies, or testing with another browser.
3. Which rule mode should you use?
Shadowrocket’s common modes include Global, Configuration, and Direct. Beginners should generally start with Configuration mode, which sends domestic sites directly and routes overseas sites through the proxy. This usually offers a better balance of speed and reliability. If you’re only testing whether a node works, switch to Global mode to route all traffic through the proxy, though domestic apps may become slower.
- Overseas sites won’t load: Try Global mode first to check whether the node works.
- Domestic sites are slow: Switch back to Configuration mode or check your routing rules.
- An app isn’t using the proxy: Check whether its traffic is set to go direct in the rules.
- Your subscription shows no nodes: Make sure the subscription link is complete, then tap Update manually.
4. Troubleshooting connection failures
If Shadowrocket shows that you’re connected but webpages won’t load, don’t rush to reinstall the app. Check these items in order: whether the node has expired, whether your network is working, whether the subscription has been updated, whether your device’s time is correct, and whether the protocol type matches. A single incorrect parameter in VLESS, Trojan, SS, or another protocol can cause the connection to fail.
You can also try turning the VPN off and on, switching between Wi-Fi and cellular data, or testing another node. If all nodes fail, your local network may be restricted or the subscription source may be unavailable. If only one node fails, it’s usually temporarily unavailable. Finally, check your DNS settings and browser cache so you don’t mistake an environment issue for a node problem.
In short, the basic Shadowrocket workflow is to import a node, choose a rule mode, connect, and verify your IP. Understanding how IP, DNS, and your browser environment interact makes it easier to pinpoint the cause when access problems arise.