This guide addresses the practical question, “How do I use Shadowrocket?” It covers installing the app on an iPhone, importing nodes, and enabling the proxy, as well as how teams can reduce account verification caused by frequent changes to their network exit points. Shadowrocket is a proxy client and does not include working connections. Account stability also depends on node exits, devices, and platform rules; simply opening the app is not enough.
1. Prepare the app and nodes before installing
Search for Shadowrocket in an App Store region where it is available, check the app name and developer details, and then install it. Availability and pricing depend on what the store shows. Don’t install configuration profiles from unknown sources, and avoid using an Apple account shared by someone you don’t know.
You’ll also need a node link, QR code, or subscription URL from your service provider. Make sure it supports Shadowrocket. A subscription URL is effectively a credential for accessing your connections, so don’t post it in public group chats or share it in screenshots. Teams should designate someone to maintain the subscription, and should not put business account passwords in node notes.
2. Import a subscription and connect for the first time
- Open Shadowrocket, tap “+” in the upper-right corner of the home screen, select Subscribe as the type, paste the subscription URL, and save it. The wording or location may vary slightly between versions.
- Return to the home screen and update the subscription you just added. Check that the node list appears. If you have a single node link, copy it and follow the import prompts, or use the in-app scanner to import a QR code.
- Select a node and run a connectivity test. The result can help show whether the node is responding, but it doesn’t guarantee access to every website.
- For your first test, set “Global Routing” to “Proxy,” turn on the connection switch on the home screen, and follow the iOS prompts to allow the VPN configuration and complete system verification.
- Open a browser and visit the site you want to use to confirm that it loads. After testing, you can switch to “Config” mode for direct access to domestic services, but first check that the rules you’re using are trustworthy and cover the sites you need.
A VPN indicator in iOS does not mean the node is necessarily working; confirm by visiting a site. Don’t run other VPN apps at the same time, as they may replace one another’s connections.
3. How team use affects account stability
Switching between exit points in different countries or regions within a short period may trigger a platform’s login verification. Teams can agree on a fixed region and preferred nodes for business use, and keep a record of node names, users, and switching times. During work hours, avoid automatic rotation and switching nodes at random after repeated speed tests.
Keeping the same node name does not mean the exit IP stays the same—providers may change routes, and shared nodes may be used by multiple people. If your business requires a fixed exit, check with the provider to confirm that it’s supported. Don’t assume a free node will provide a stable environment over the long term. The free nodes on this site can be used to learn how to import nodes or for temporary testing; check their availability and privacy risks yourself before use.
A proxy changes only some network routes. It does not standardize device information, browser cookies, or account permissions. Teams should prioritize platform-provided member and role features, avoid sharing a primary account, and enable two-factor authentication. Don’t use a proxy to evade platform risk controls.
4. Troubleshoot connection issues in order
- Subscription won’t update: Check that the address was copied in full and hasn’t expired. First confirm that the phone itself has an internet connection, then contact the provider.
- It shows as connected, but sites won’t open: Try another node and check your data allowance or subscription validity. Don’t rely on latency results alone.
- Only one site fails: Briefly switch to “Proxy” mode for comparison. If the site works, check your routing rules and DNS settings first.
- Repeated login prompts after switching: Stop changing nodes frequently, check the platform’s security notifications, and verify through its official process. Don’t keep retrying.
Change only one setting at a time while troubleshooting, and record the results. Before asking someone else for help, hide your subscription URL, node password, and account details.