This article explains “how to use Shadowrocket”: from installation and importing nodes to enabling the proxy, and how it relates to your IP, DNS, and browser environment. It also helps everyday users troubleshoot common issues such as connection failures, an unchanged IP, or websites that won’t load.
1. Basic steps for using Shadowrocket
Shadowrocket is a popular proxy client for iOS that supports multiple node formats, including V2Ray, VLESS, Trojan, and Shadowsocks. It is not a VPN service by itself—you’ll need to import a working node or subscription link first. You can use a subscription you already have, or try a working connection from our free nodes page.
- Install Shadowrocket on your iPhone or iPad, then open it and go to the home screen.
- Tap “+” in the top-right corner and select “Type” to enter the node details manually. If you have a subscription link, choose “Subscribe/Subscription.”
- Paste the subscription URL and save it. Return to the home screen, then pull down or tap Update to refresh the node list.
- Select a node and turn on the switch at the top. When prompted to add a VPN configuration, tap Allow.
- Once the status shows Connected, open a browser and visit an IP lookup site to check whether your exit IP has changed.
To import by QR code, use the scanning feature in Shadowrocket. If you copied a vmess, vless, or trojan link, the app can usually detect it from the clipboard, or you can paste it in manually.
2. What your IP, DNS, and browser environment affect
Many users assume that turning on Shadowrocket automatically “cleans up” their entire environment, but that isn’t quite true. Your IP is mainly determined by the node you select. Once connected, websites see the node’s exit address. If a lookup still shows your local IP, the proxy may not be working, the rules may not match, or the app you’re using may be bypassing the proxy.
DNS resolves domain names to IP addresses. Incorrect DNS settings can prevent websites from loading, resolve them to the wrong region, or even cause DNS leaks. Shadowrocket lets you use remote DNS or split traffic according to rules. If you’re a beginner, it’s best to start with the default settings and avoid changing complex rules without a clear reason.
Your browser environment also includes settings and data such as language, time zone, cache, cookies, and WebRTC. Even if your IP changes, websites may still identify your environment through login history or browser fingerprinting. For everyday browsing, there’s usually no need to do anything special. If a website shows the wrong location, try clearing your cookies, disabling location access, or testing in a private browsing window.
3. Troubleshooting connection failures and an unchanged IP
- First, make sure the node hasn’t expired and the subscription is up to date. If necessary, try a different node.
- Check that VPN connections are allowed in iOS settings and that the Shadowrocket switch is actually on.
- Temporarily switch the rules to “Global Proxy” to test the connection. If it works in global mode, there may be an issue with your existing routing rules.
- Turn off other VPNs, proxies, and packet-capture tools to avoid configuration conflicts.
- Try a different network, such as switching from Wi‑Fi to cellular data, to rule out restrictions from your carrier or router.
If some websites won’t load, that doesn’t necessarily mean the node is completely unusable. The cause could be your rules, DNS, or restrictions imposed by the target website. For a more efficient diagnosis, try these steps in order: switch nodes, update the subscription, use global mode, check DNS, then try another network.
4. Tips for using Shadowrocket
If you’re new to Shadowrocket, avoid changing the configuration file too often. First make sure you can connect reliably, then learn how routing rules work. When importing free nodes, check that the source is trustworthy, and don’t enter sensitive account credentials while using an untrusted proxy. The basics are simple: get a working node, import it correctly, choose suitable rules, and check your IP and DNS. That’s enough for most users to get started.