This guide covers the basics of using Shadowrocket: installation, importing nodes, and enabling the proxy. It also explains how exit IPs, DNS, and your browser environment relate, helping you troubleshoot issues such as being connected but unable to open webpages, or websites still showing your original region.
1. What to prepare before installing
Shadowrocket is a proxy client for iPhone and iPad. It does not include any working proxy servers. Check the app name and developer information in the App Store. Availability depends on your account’s region. Don’t install configuration profiles from unfamiliar sources or use someone else’s shared account.
You’ll also need a valid node link or subscription URL, commonly in VLESS, VMess, Trojan, or other formats. A subscription URL is like a login credential, so don’t share it publicly. If you use free nodes from sources such as freevpn-x.com, check the update notes. Free connections may become unavailable and aren’t suitable for sensitive work.
2. Import nodes and connect
- Copy the node link or subscription URL, making sure it hasn’t been truncated and contains no extra spaces or line breaks.
- Open Shadowrocket. For a single node, try importing it using the clipboard prompt, or tap “+” in the top-right corner, select the appropriate type, then paste or enter the details.
- To add a subscription, select the “Subscribe” type on the add screen, enter the URL and a remark, then save. Wording may vary slightly between versions.
- Return to the home screen, update the subscription, and wait for the nodes to appear. Select a node and run a connectivity test first, if available. Treat the results as a guide only; they don’t necessarily reflect how webpages will perform.
- Under “Global Routing,” choose “Config” where possible and make sure the active configuration includes working routing rules. For troubleshooting, you can temporarily switch to “Proxy” mode so supported traffic all goes through the selected node.
- 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 open a browser and visit the webpage you want to access.
Seeing a VPN indicator on your device doesn’t mean the node is necessarily working. It only means the proxy connection is enabled; test it by visiting a webpage. After testing, restore your usual routing configuration to avoid sending unnecessary traffic through the proxy.
3. How IP, DNS, and your browser affect things
Your exit IP is the network address websites see. If a webpage request goes through the proxy, the site will generally see the node’s exit IP. If the request bypasses the proxy under a routing rule, it may see your local network IP. You can compare results by visiting the same trusted IP lookup page before and after connecting, but one page’s results can’t confirm that all your apps are using the proxy.
DNS translates domain names into addresses. A DNS timeout, unexpected results, or a mismatch between the DNS route and your proxy rules can prevent webpages from loading. Changing DNS does not change your exit IP. Don’t copy DNS settings from untrusted sources. Start with the default settings in a trusted configuration, then adjust them according to its instructions.
Your browser also retains cookies, sign-in status, and site permissions. Even if your IP has changed, a website may still show content for your original region based on your account region, browsing history, or location permissions. Try again in a private browsing window and check the site’s location permissions. A proxy won’t automatically change your account region or device location.
4. Troubleshoot connection issues in order
- Turn off the proxy and make sure your Wi-Fi or mobile data connection can access the internet.
- Update the subscription, try another node, and check whether the node has expired or failed to import.
- Temporarily switch to “Proxy” mode and try again. If access is restored, check the routing rules.
- Quit other VPNs or network filtering tools to avoid conflicts. If you switch networks, reconnect afterward.
- If only certain websites are affected, check DNS, your browser cache, and the website’s own status.
If the problem persists, note the client version, error message, and test results before asking for help. Before sharing screenshots or logs, make sure to hide your subscription URL, password, and other credentials.