This article addresses common questions about “how to use Shadowrocket”: how to import nodes or subscriptions on iPhone/iPad, enable the proxy, and why after connecting you still need to check your IP, DNS, and browser environment to avoid situations where it connects but pages won’t load, the IP is inconsistent, or websites detect anomalies.
1. Installation and Importing Nodes
Shadowrocket is a commonly used proxy client on iOS, often called “Little Rocket” by Chinese users. After installation, the key step is importing working nodes into the client. Nodes may be provided as single configurations or subscription links. This site will compile some free node resources, which are suitable for temporary testing, but free nodes can be unstable, so it is recommended to prepare several backups before connecting.
- Open Shadowrocket and go to the home page.
- Tap the “+” in the top right. If it is a single node, select the corresponding protocol and paste in the server information; if it is a subscription, choose “Subscribe/Subscription.”
- Paste the subscription URL, tap save, then open the subscription item and update it.
- Return to the home page, select a node, and turn on the connection switch at the top.
- When connecting for the first time, iOS will prompt you to add a VPN configuration. Tap Allow and enter your lock screen passcode to confirm.
If what you received is a vmess, vless, trojan, or ss link, you can also copy the link and then open Shadowrocket; it will usually prompt you to recognize and import it automatically. After importing, it is recommended to first test nodes with lower latency and clear names.
2. Choosing Proxy Modes and Rules
Shadowrocket is not just “turn it on for global proxy.” It also supports different rule modes. For ordinary users, it is recommended to start with the configuration/rule mode, so domestic websites connect directly while overseas websites use the proxy, which is more stable for daily use. If a particular overseas website does not open, you can temporarily switch to global proxy mode to test whether the rules are causing the issue.
- Global Proxy: All traffic goes through the selected node. Suitable for troubleshooting, but it may affect the speed of domestic apps.
- Rule Proxy: Traffic is split according to rules. Suitable for long-term use.
- Direct Mode: Does not use nodes. Commonly used to restore network access or for comparison testing.
After updating a subscription, if the node list does not change, pull down to refresh or open the subscription item and update it manually. If it still fails, check whether the subscription link has expired and whether your network can access the subscription URL.
3. What Is the Relationship Between IP, DNS, and the Browser Environment?
Many people assume that if Shadowrocket shows as connected, it must be working, but you also need to check the exit IP and DNS. After connecting, you can open an IP lookup website to confirm whether the displayed region matches the node. If the IP has not changed, you may not have selected a node, the VPN switch may not be enabled, or the current app may not be using the proxy.
DNS is also critical. If a webpage says the region does not match or resolution fails, it may be due to a DNS leak or abnormal DNS resolution results. You can enable remote DNS in Shadowrocket settings or use the DNS strategy built into the rule configuration. Do not frequently mix multiple VPNs, accelerators, and proxy apps, or it can easily cause DNS confusion.
The browser environment includes language, time zone, cookies, cache, WebRTC, and more. For example, if the node uses an overseas IP but the browser language is still Chinese and the time zone is still Beijing time, some websites may trigger additional verification. Ordinary users can first clear cookies for the target website, disable browser location permissions, and if necessary use a private browsing window to test again.
4. Quick Troubleshooting for Connection Failures
- Node timeout: Switch to another node, or update the subscription and try again.
- Connected but webpages will not open: Switch to global mode for testing and check the DNS settings.
- A certain app is not using the proxy: Confirm whether the rule is being matched, and temporarily switch to global mode to verify.
- Frequent disconnections: Restart the network, close other VPN-type apps, and then reconnect.
In summary, the core process for using Shadowrocket is: import nodes or subscriptions, select a node, enable VPN, and confirm that IP and DNS are functioning normally. When problems occur, do not just look at “Connected”; also troubleshoot together with the proxy mode, rules, DNS, and browser environment.