This guide addresses the practical question “How do I use Shadowrocket?” It covers importing nodes or subscriptions, choosing a proxy mode, and why you should also check your IP, DNS, and browser environment after connecting. It’s designed to help first-time Shadowrocket users on iPhone or iPad get started.
1. Import nodes or a subscription after installation
Shadowrocket is a popular proxy client for iOS. It doesn’t provide servers, so you’ll need to have usable nodes or a subscription link ready. This site shares some free node resources, or you can use a subscription you already have. Before you begin, make sure your device’s clock is correct and your network is working.
- Open Shadowrocket and tap “+” in the top-right corner.
- For a single node, select its protocol, such as VLESS, VMess, Trojan, or Shadowsocks, and enter the server, port, UUID/password, and other details.
- For a subscription link, set the “Type” to Subscribe or paste the subscription URL directly. Save it, then tap Update.
- Return to the home screen, select a node, and turn on the switch at the top. The first time, you’ll be prompted to add a VPN configuration; tap “Allow.”
Once the nodes have been imported, start by testing one with low latency that has been working recently. Keep in mind that Shadowrocket is only a client; whether it can connect depends on node quality, protocol settings, and your current network environment.
2. Choosing a proxy mode
Once you’re connected from the home screen, it’s worth understanding modes such as “Global,” “Rule,” and “Direct.” “Rule” mode is recommended for most users: domestic sites connect directly, while commonly used overseas sites go through the proxy, offering a more stable experience. If you just want to check whether your IP has changed, you can switch to Global mode, but using it all the time may slow down domestic apps.
- Rule mode: Best for everyday use, balancing speed and connection reliability.
- Global mode: All traffic goes through the node. Useful for troubleshooting or specific situations.
- Direct mode: No proxy is used. Useful for checking whether the node is causing a problem.
If you still can’t access a particular app, check whether your configuration rules are sending it through a direct connection, or switch to Global mode temporarily to test.
3. How IP, DNS, and your browser environment are related
Many users assume that connecting with Shadowrocket is all it takes. In reality, websites may identify your environment using a combination of factors, including your IP, DNS, browser language, time zone, and cache. Once connected, your public IP should show the region where the node is located. If it hasn’t changed, the proxy may be turned off, Direct mode may be selected, the node may be unavailable, or the routing rules may not be applying.
DNS issues can cause problems such as being connected but unable to open web pages, or seeing the wrong region on certain sites. Try enabling a suitable remote DNS in your Shadowrocket configuration or updating your rules. Avoid installing multiple VPN apps and running them at the same time, as this can cause DNS conflicts.
Your browser environment can also affect what sites see. For example, cookies and language preferences saved in Safari or Chrome, along with location permissions, may lead a site to assume you’re still in your original region. If needed, clear the cache for the site in question, turn off browser location permissions, and keep your system time zone and language consistent with your usage. There’s no need to frequently alter a complicated set of environment settings; for ordinary browsing, a clean setup is enough.
4. Troubleshooting connection failures
- Check whether your subscription has expired, then update it manually.
- Test two or three different nodes rather than judging by a single one.
- Check that your protocol settings are correct, especially the UUID, port, TLS, and transport method.
- Switch between Wi-Fi and cellular data to rule out local network restrictions.
- Turn off any other VPNs, network accelerators, or proxy apps, then try again.
- Restart Shadowrocket. If necessary, delete the VPN profile and authorize it again.
In short, using Shadowrocket comes down to “import nodes—choose Rule mode—connect—check your IP, DNS, and browser environment.” If something goes wrong, start by checking whether the node is working and whether you’ve selected the right proxy mode, then check DNS and browser cache. This will usually help you pinpoint most connection problems.