This guide addresses the practical question “How do I use Shadowrocket?” It explains how to import nodes or a subscription on an iPhone or iPad, connect correctly, and understand the relationship between IP, DNS, and your browser environment—so you can avoid issues like connecting successfully but being unable to open webpages, seeing no change to your IP, or having problems with certain websites.
1. What you need before getting started
Shadowrocket, often called “Little Rocket” by Chinese users, is primarily used on iOS devices to import proxy nodes such as Shadowsocks, V2Ray, VLESS, and Trojan. It is just a client and does not provide stable connections on its own, so you’ll need a working node or subscription link. This site curates some free node resources for testing and temporary use, but free nodes can stop working at any time, so it’s a good idea to have a few backups ready before connecting.
- An iPhone or iPad with Shadowrocket installed.
- A working node link, QR code, or subscription URL.
- We recommend turning off other VPN apps to avoid configuration conflicts.
2. Basic steps for importing nodes into Shadowrocket
- Open Shadowrocket and go to the main screen, then tap “+” in the upper-right corner.
- If you have a link for a single node, select its “Type” and enter details such as the server, port, and password. For a subscription link, select “Subscribe/订阅.”
- Paste the subscription URL and save it. Return to the list, pull down to refresh the subscription, and wait for the nodes to appear.
- Select a node and turn on the connection toggle at the top. The first time you connect, iOS will ask to add a VPN configuration. Tap Allow and enter your device passcode.
- Once connected, a VPN icon will appear in the status bar. Open a browser and check that webpages load normally.
For most users, importing a subscription is the best option because it makes updating and replacing nodes easier. If you only have a QR code, you can also select the QR scanner on the add screen to import it.
3. How IP, DNS, and your browser environment affect your connection
Many people assume that turning on Shadowrocket is all it takes, but your browsing environment usually involves three components. First, your IP address determines the location websites see for your connection. When you connect through a proxy, an IP-checking site should typically show the node’s exit IP. Second, DNS translates domain names into addresses. A DNS leak or interference can cause webpages to fail to load even when the connection is active. Third, your browser environment—including your language, time zone, cookies, cache, and WebRTC—can also reveal information about your actual environment.
If you’re just looking up information or browsing websites, you generally don’t need to make complicated changes to your browser fingerprint. However, we recommend clearing the cache for problematic sites in Safari or Chrome, and, if necessary, disabling features related to WebRTC leaks or switching to a more privacy-focused browser.
4. Recommended Shadowrocket settings
In Shadowrocket’s “Configuration” or “Global Routing” settings, beginners can start with “Config” or “Rule” mode. This lets domestic websites connect directly while international websites use the proxy, providing a more stable experience. If certain apps are still inaccessible, temporarily switch to Global Proxy to check whether the issue is caused by the rules.
- Testing nodes: Long-press a node to test its speed or check its latency, but keep in mind that low latency doesn’t necessarily mean a stable connection.
- DNS settings: Prefer the client’s default DNS or a reliable public DNS. Avoid entering unfamiliar DNS servers.
- Updating subscriptions: If a node stops working, refresh the subscription manually first, then try another node.
5. Troubleshooting common connection problems
If the connection won’t establish after you turn on the toggle, first check whether the node has expired and whether the server address and port are complete. If it shows as connected but webpages won’t load, try switching nodes or between Rule and Global mode, then toggle Airplane Mode off and on. If only one website is having problems, clear your browser cache or try another browser. You can also visit an IP-checking website to see whether your exit IP has changed. If it hasn’t, your traffic may not be routing through the proxy correctly.
Finally, remember that Shadowrocket’s performance depends on node availability, your network environment, and your routing rules. If you run into problems, don’t change every setting at once. Troubleshoot in this order: switch nodes, refresh the subscription, switch to Global mode, check DNS, and try another browser. This will usually help you identify most issues.