This guide answers the beginner’s question, “How do I use Shadowrocket?” It walks you through installation, importing a subscription, connecting, and troubleshooting. It also explains why changes to your team’s exit IP may affect account verification. Shadowrocket is a proxy client only; it does not provide nodes or guarantee that an account won’t trigger security checks.
1. What to prepare before installing
Search for Shadowrocket in the App Store on your iPhone or iPad, and check that the developer is Shadow Launch Technology Limited. Availability, download options, and pricing depend on the App Store listing. We recommend installing it with an Apple account you’re authorized to use. Don’t buy shared accounts or app versions distributed through configuration profiles from unverified sources.
You’ll also need a node link or subscription URL from a trusted source. Your subscription URL is an access credential, so don’t share it in public groups or include the full URL in screenshots when asking for help. Our free nodes are suitable for learning and temporary testing, but availability and exit locations can change. Don’t assume they’ll provide a fixed connection for critical team operations.
2. Import a subscription and connect
- Open Shadowrocket and tap “+” in the top-right corner of the home screen. If you have a subscription URL, select “Subscribe” in the Type menu, paste the URL, add a note to identify it, and save. Menu names may vary by version.
- If you have a link for a single node, copy it and import it as prompted by the client. You can also use the in-app scanner to scan a QR code from a trusted source. After importing, check that details such as the protocol and server address are displayed correctly.
- Return to the home screen, expand the subscription, select a node, and run a connectivity test. Treat the results as a guide only: a latency reading doesn’t mean every website will be accessible.
- Choose a suitable mode under “Global Routing.” For everyday use, you can start with “Config,” but first make sure trusted rules are enabled. Without suitable rules, don’t assume traffic will be routed correctly automatically.
- Turn on the connection switch on the home screen. The first time you connect, follow the system prompt to allow adding a VPN configuration, then test the websites you need. If the subscription doesn’t appear, check that the URL is complete and try updating the subscription.
3. How team use relates to your account environment
Platforms may assess account security based on exit IP, region, device, and login activity. Frequently switching nodes doesn’t improve stability and may instead trigger unusual-login alerts or repeated verification. The outcome depends on the platform’s policies.
Your team can agree on a relatively consistent exit region for each member, and avoid repeatedly logging into the same account from different regions within a short period. Use the platform’s member seats and access controls where available, rather than sharing passwords. A consistent node name doesn’t guarantee a consistent IP, so check the actual exit IP after updating a subscription.
Shadowrocket can’t isolate device fingerprints, cookies, or account permissions, and it can’t replace two-factor authentication. Teams should record necessary connection changes and the times of any issues, but never include passwords, verification codes, or full subscription URLs in those records.
4. How to troubleshoot connection failures
- All nodes fail: First turn off the proxy and check that your local network works. Then check whether the subscription has expired, the system time is correct, or another VPN configuration is causing a conflict.
- Only one node fails: Update the subscription, then test another node in the same region. Don’t repeatedly change settings you’re unfamiliar with.
- You can connect, but the target website won’t open: Check the routing rules and DNS settings. You can briefly switch to “Proxy” mode for comparison, then restore the original settings once you’ve identified the issue.
- Your account keeps asking for verification: Stop retrying, check the exit region and your team’s login records, then verify your account through the platform’s official process.
When troubleshooting, change only one setting at a time and keep the original configuration so you can restore it. Follow local laws and the terms of use of the services you access.