This guide explains how to import a subscription into Shadowrocket on an iPhone or iPad, update nodes, and test the connection. It also covers why your IP, DNS, and browser environment can affect the results. A successful import only means the client received the configuration—it does not guarantee that the nodes are usable. Follow the steps below to check everything in order.
1. Before you import: Check the client and subscription link
Install Shadowrocket through the official App Store and verify the app name to avoid installing a similarly named app by mistake. Get the complete subscription link from your service provider. It usually starts with https:// and may contain a long authentication token. When copying it, make sure you don’t include any instructions, spaces, or line breaks, and don’t remove or change anything at the end of the link.
A subscription link is different from a link for an individual node: a subscription retrieves and updates a group of nodes, while an individual node link usually adds just one configuration. If you’re using free nodes collected on this site, first check the sharing format and which clients it supports. Free resources may become unavailable, and continuous connectivity is not guaranteed.
2. How to import a subscription into Shadowrocket
- Open Shadowrocket and tap “+” in the upper-right corner of the home screen to go to the configuration page.
- Tap “Type” and select “Subscribe” or the equivalent option in your language. The wording may vary slightly between versions.
- Paste the subscription link in the “URL” field. In the remarks field, enter a name that’s easy to recognize, such as “Daily subscription.”
- Check that the link is complete, then tap “Done” in the upper-right corner and wait for the client to retrieve and parse the node list.
- Return to the home screen, expand the subscription, and select a node. Run a connection test as an initial check, then turn on the connection switch at the top.
- The first time you connect, follow the system prompt to allow a VPN configuration to be added and authenticate your device. Cancel if the prompt doesn’t come from the app you’re currently using.
Don’t enter a subscription link as a regular web search, and don’t post screenshots containing a subscription token in public group chats. The link may grant access to your service. If it’s exposed, contact your provider to have it reset.
3. How to update your subscription and check that the connection works
To refresh your nodes, find the subscription on the home screen and use the subscription entry’s action menu or edit page to select “Update Subscription.” The exact location depends on your current version. If the settings include an automatic update option, you can enable it as needed. After updating, check that the node list has refreshed rather than relying on old node names to confirm the update worked.
When connecting, start with a rules configuration from a trusted source. Unless you have a specific need, don’t change the DNS or routing options arbitrarily. Test the connection by opening the website you want to use, and check your exit IP if necessary. A latency test returning a result doesn’t mean every website will be accessible—the destination service may restrict access from that exit IP.
4. Troubleshooting import failures, DNS, and browser issues
- Subscription download failed: First, confirm that your device can access the internet. Then check whether the link has expired, was copied incompletely, or has been revoked. If the subscription’s domain can’t be reached on your current network, try a different trusted network or check with your provider.
- Parsing failed or the list is empty: Confirm that the link uses a subscription format supported by Shadowrocket, rather than a webpage address, login page, or configuration intended for another client.
- Connected, but webpages won’t load: Try a different node first, then check whether your routing rules send the destination website through a direct connection. DNS issues can also prevent some domains from loading. Avoid changing multiple options at once.
- Your IP has changed, but a website still reports the wrong region: The website may also consider your account region, cookies, location permissions, and other information. You can compare results in a browser’s private window, but changing your IP doesn’t guarantee that the service will determine your region differently.
When troubleshooting, change only one setting at a time and record the results. When contacting your provider, share the client version, the error message, and when it occurred. Hide your full subscription link, token, and personal information.