This guide explains how to use Shadowrocket (“小火箭”) and why teams often run into dropped connections, unusable nodes, and account security checks when multiple people use it at once. You’ll learn how to import nodes or subscriptions on an iPhone or iPad and improve connection stability by following consistent usage practices.
1. What Shadowrocket is for
Shadowrocket, often called “小火箭” in Chinese, is a popular proxy client for iOS that supports various protocols, including Shadowsocks, VMess, VLESS, and Trojan. It does not provide nodes itself: you’ll need to import a subscription from a proxy service, a link for an individual node, or free nodes collected on this site for testing. For teams, the key is not just getting connected, but also maintaining a consistent account environment and managing node assignments.
2. Installation and basic setup
- Install Shadowrocket on your iPhone or iPad, then allow it to add a VPN configuration when prompted.
- On the app’s home screen, tap “+” in the upper-right corner. Choose “Subscribe” to import a subscription, or select the appropriate protocol to add a node manually.
- Paste the subscription or node link, save it, then return to the home screen and pull down to refresh the subscription.
- Select a node and turn on the connection switch at the top. The first time you connect, confirm the system VPN permission prompt.
- Once connected, use a browser to visit a familiar website and check that everything is working.
If you’re using free nodes from this site, start by importing a small number to test connectivity. Once you’ve confirmed that the protocols and regions work, you can share them with other members. Don’t distribute all the nodes to everyone at once.
3. Tips for keeping team connections stable
When several people use the service, the problem is often not how to use Shadowrocket, but inconsistent usage habits. For example, frequently switching the same business account between nodes in different countries can lead platforms to flag the login environment as unusual. We recommend grouping nodes by purpose—such as research, social media management, and development testing—and using separate connections for each group. Keep them consistent over time.
- Don’t have multiple people share the same business account and frequently switch nodes, especially between regions.
- Keep a node usage log for your team, noting who uses each node, for what purpose, and in which region, to make troubleshooting easier.
- Don’t share subscription links publicly. Misuse could affect availability for everyone.
- Use a fixed node for important accounts whenever possible, and minimize simultaneous changes to login devices, browser fingerprints, and IP addresses.
4. Recommended settings after importing a subscription
Open the “Configuration” or “Rules” page in Shadowrocket and choose a proxy mode. Most users should choose rule-based mode, which connects to domestic websites directly and routes traffic for overseas services through the proxy for a more stable experience. The default DNS settings are usually fine; adjust them only if you encounter DNS resolution errors. Use a consistent naming format for nodes, such as “Purpose-Region-Member,” to make team communication easier.
5. Troubleshooting connection failures
If Shadowrocket shows that you’re connected but webpages won’t load, first check whether the node has expired, then try another node in the same subscription. If none of them work, copy the subscription link and refresh it. You can also switch off Wi-Fi and test over cellular to see whether your local network is restricting access. If a particular app won’t connect, check whether global proxy mode is enabled or whether the rules are routing its traffic correctly. If several team members report a problem at the same time, the subscription or nodes themselves are likely unavailable. If only one person is affected, first check their device’s time, VPN permissions, network environment, and rule configuration.
In short, using Shadowrocket is straightforward: install the app, import a subscription, select a node, and connect. For teams, the most important things are to use connections consistently for specific purposes and share them responsibly. This helps minimize changes to account environments and keeps connections stable over the long term.