This article addresses the practical question of “how to import a subscription into Shadowrocket” and explains how IP, DNS, and the browser environment may still affect access if websites won’t open after import. It is suitable for iPhone/iPad users who already have a subscription link or a free node link; just follow the steps to complete the import and troubleshooting.
1. What to prepare before importing a subscription into Shadowrocket
Shadowrocket usually refers to Shadowrocket on iOS. Before importing a subscription, you need to prepare: a valid subscription link, a stable network connection, and the client already installed. Subscription links generally start with https://, or they may be generated by the node provider. This site also compiles some free node information; it is recommended to prioritize links that have been updated recently and have a clear format.
- Make sure the link is copied in full, with no spaces before or after it.
- Make sure your current network can access the subscription address normally.
- If the link requires login or a verification code, the client may not be able to fetch it directly.
2. How to import a subscription into Shadowrocket: detailed steps
- Open Shadowrocket and go to the home page.
- Tap the “+” icon in the upper right corner to enter the add configuration page.
- Select Subscribe or “Subscription” as the type.
- Paste your subscription link into the URL input field.
- For the remark, you can enter “Free Nodes” or “Backup Subscription” to make it easier to distinguish.
- Tap “Done” in the upper right corner to save.
- Return to the home page, pull down or enter the subscription item, tap update, and wait for the node list to appear.
- Select a node, turn on the connection switch at the top, and allow the VPN configuration to be added when prompted.
If the node list appears successfully, the subscription import is complete. After that, you only need to tap update regularly to get the latest nodes in the subscription. If you change the subscription link, it is recommended to delete the old subscription first to avoid node confusion.
3. What IP, DNS, and the browser environment can affect
Many users think that once the import succeeds, they will definitely be able to access all websites, but in fact the connection result also depends on the local environment. First is the IP: the region, availability, and risk-control status of exit IPs differ from node to node, and some websites may restrict unusual IPs. Second is DNS: DNS resolution errors can cause webpages to fail to open, redirect abnormally, or load very slowly. Finally, there is the browser environment. Things like cache, cookies, language, time zone, and WebRTC may all cause websites to determine that your access environment is inconsistent.
In daily use, you can first test the same webpage with Safari or Chrome; if one browser can open it and the other cannot, it is most likely related to browser cache or extensions. If you encounter login issues, try incognito mode, clear cookies, or switch to a node in the same region before accessing again.
4. Troubleshooting import failures and connection failures
- Subscription cannot be updated: Check whether the link has expired and whether it was copied completely, then try again after switching networks.
- No nodes appear: The subscription format may be incompatible; try switching to another subscription source.
- Connected but cannot open websites: Switch nodes, disconnect and reconnect, and check whether global mode or rule mode is enabled.
- Some websites cannot be opened: Clear the DNS cache, switch browsers, and disable browser proxy extensions.
- Frequent disconnections: Change the network environment and avoid switching back and forth between weak-signal Wi-Fi and cellular networks.
It is recommended that ordinary users prioritize “Rule Mode”: most domestic apps connect directly, while overseas websites go through the proxy. If you are testing whether a node is usable, you can temporarily switch to Global Mode, and after confirming it works properly, switch back to Rule Mode.
5. Tips for using subscriptions
Do not post your subscription link publicly in group chats or forums, because subscriptions usually contain complete node information. Free nodes are suitable for temporary testing and backup use, and their stability will be affected by the number of users and line conditions. If the connection is abnormal, first troubleshoot in this order: “update subscription, switch nodes, check DNS, switch browsers.” This usually resolves most issues.