This guide explains how to import a subscription into Shadowrocket and why your IP, DNS, and browser environment can still affect things after import. It’s for iPhone and iPad users who already have a subscription URL, a free-node link, or a free-node subscription from this site. Follow the steps to add a subscription, connect, and troubleshoot common issues.
1. What to prepare before importing a subscription into Shadowrocket
Shadowrocket is an iOS app. Before importing a subscription, make sure you have installed the app and have a valid subscription URL. Subscription URLs usually start with http or https and contain node information for VLESS, VMess, Trojan, Shadowsocks, and other protocols.
- Make sure the subscription link is complete, with no missing characters or extra spaces.
- Save the link in Safari, Notes, or your clipboard to avoid it being truncated by a messaging app.
- If you’re using free nodes, choose a recently updated subscription when possible. Older nodes may no longer work.
2. How to import a subscription into Shadowrocket
- Open Shadowrocket and go to the node list on the home screen.
- Tap the “+” in the upper-right corner, then select “Subscribe” as the type.
- Paste the subscription link into the URL field. You can enter “freevpn-x” or a custom name in the remarks field.
- Tap Done/Save. Return to the list and pull down to refresh the subscription.
- Select a node and turn on the connection switch at the top. The first time you connect, follow the prompts to allow the VPN configuration to be added.
If the subscription is working, you’ll see several node names after refreshing. If the list is empty, the app itself is usually not the problem; the subscription link, network access, or remote node status may be at fault. Try opening the link in a browser. If it displays node text or downloads a file, the subscription is probably accessible.
3. How IP, DNS, and your browser environment affect things
IP environment can affect whether the subscription URL is reachable. Some networks block certain domains or ports, causing subscription refreshes to fail. Try switching between Wi-Fi and cellular data, or connect to an existing working node before refreshing.
DNS environment affects domain name resolution. If the subscription domain isn’t resolving properly, Shadowrocket may time out, fail to update, or show red latency indicators for every node. Try switching networks in iOS Settings, or changing the DNS strategy in Shadowrocket’s configuration. Most users should stick with the system default and only change it if problems arise.
Browser environment is mainly useful for checking whether a link is accessible. If Safari opens the subscription, that doesn’t necessarily mean the nodes will connect. But if Safari can’t open it either, the link is usually expired, blocked, or incorrectly copied. When testing, disable browser proxy extensions, private DNS, and other potential sources of interference.
4. How to troubleshoot connection failures after importing
- Subscription refresh fails: Check whether the link has expired or contains extra spaces, then try refreshing on a different network.
- Nodes appear but won’t connect: Try another node in the same subscription. Free nodes may be temporarily unavailable.
- Connected, but webpages won’t load: Check whether you’re using Global or Rule mode. Switch to Global mode to test, then switch back to Rule mode.
- Some apps work, but the browser doesn’t: Clear the browser cache and disable its built-in proxy, Private Relay, or any problematic DNS settings.
Incorrect system time on iOS can also cause TLS handshake failures, so make sure “Set Automatically” is enabled. If you frequently switch subscriptions, delete old ones to avoid confusing nodes with the same name.
5. Practical tips
Importing a subscription into Shadowrocket comes down to adding the subscription URL, refreshing it, selecting a node, and connecting. When something goes wrong, don’t focus only on the app. Also check the subscription link, your current network IP, DNS resolution, and the results of your browser test. This site provides free nodes for testing and client tutorials, but free resources can be unreliable. Consider keeping a few subscription sources on hand so you can switch quickly if one stops working.