This guide explains how to use Shadowrocket and how teams can reduce egress changes and prevent rule conflicts when multiple people use it. Follow the steps below to install the app, import a subscription, and check your connection, then establish consistent practices for frequently used business accounts. Keep in mind that a working VPN connection does not necessarily mean your account environment is stable; platforms may also consider your device, login activity, and security settings.
1. Before you install: understand the difference between the client and nodes
Shadowrocket is a proxy client for iPhone and iPad; it does not include any usable nodes. Check the app name and developer information in the App Store. Availability and pricing are determined by the store listing. Do not install modified versions or configuration profiles from unknown sources.
Prepare a trusted subscription URL, node link, or QR code. The free nodes provided on this site can be used to learn how to import a subscription and perform basic connection tests, but public nodes may become unavailable or change their egress, so they are not suitable as a long-term, stable environment for important team accounts. A subscription link is an access credential. Do not post it in public groups or include it in screenshots.
2. Import a subscription and connect for the first time
- Open Shadowrocket and go to the home screen, then tap “+” in the upper-right corner. The button name may vary slightly between versions.
- To import a subscription, select “Subscribe” or “订阅” as the type, paste the full URL, enter a recognizable label, and save. For a single node link, copy it and import it as prompted by the app, or use the scan option to read a QR code.
- Return to the home screen, update the subscription, and wait for the nodes to appear. If the list is empty, first check that the link was copied in full and has not expired, then confirm that your current network can access the subscription URL.
- Select a node and set the global routing option to “Configuration” or rule mode. For your first use, you can keep the default configuration. Do not immediately import configuration files from unknown sources with complex rules.
- Turn on the connection switch at the top and allow the app to add a VPN configuration when prompted by iOS. Then open a webpage you need to access and confirm that it loads correctly.
A successful latency test does not mean a business website will necessarily work; also check the login page, CAPTCHA, and business pages. Change only one setting at a time while testing so you can identify the cause of any issues.
3. How does team usage affect account stability?
For teams, the goal is not for everyone to share one node, but to make sure members know which egress they are using and which traffic is routed through the proxy. We recommend standardizing client setup instructions and rule sources, and labeling nodes by purpose so that changes made by individual members can be traced.
- Whenever possible, have a business account operated by designated, authorized members on a consistent device. Avoid repeated logins from different regions within a short period.
- After selecting a node, check its actual egress IP and location. The node name is only a label and does not guarantee a fixed egress.
- Check the connection before important operations, and recheck the egress after updating the subscription or switching networks.
- Use the platform’s member permissions and two-factor authentication; do not rely on shared passwords as a substitute for team collaboration.
Choosing the same node every time does not mean you will get a fixed IP. If an account triggers a security check, follow the platform’s instructions instead of repeatedly switching nodes to try to bypass it.
4. Troubleshooting connection issues or websites that won’t open
First turn off the proxy and confirm that your local Wi-Fi or cellular network is working. Then update the subscription and check whether the node is still available. If you are connected but webpages will not open, temporarily switch to global proxy mode for comparison. If global mode works but rule mode does not, check whether the rules are matching correctly or whether the DNS settings are appropriate, then restore the original mode after testing.
If the problem persists, try another node and test both Wi-Fi and cellular networks. Also pause any other VPNs or network-filtering tools to rule out conflicts. When reporting the issue to your team’s administrator, include the error message, time it occurred, client version, and network type. Be sure to hide your subscription URL and password.