This article addresses the practical question of “how to import a subscription into Shadowrocket” and explains why, after importing, you should still check your IP, DNS, and browser environment. It is suitable for everyday users who already have a subscription link and want to use Shadowrocket on an iPhone or iPad.
1. Basic steps for importing a subscription into Shadowrocket
Before you begin, make sure you have already installed Shadowrocket and obtained a valid subscription link. A subscription link is usually a string beginning with http or https and contains information for multiple nodes. This site also compiles free nodes and subscription resources, but the stability of free nodes can vary, so it is recommended to prepare several backups.
- Open Shadowrocket on iOS.
- Tap the “+” icon in the top right and choose “Subscribe/Subscription” as the type.
- Paste your subscription link into the URL field, and in the remarks field you can enter “Free Nodes” or “Backup Subscription.”
- Tap “Done” in the top right to save, then return to the home page and pull down to refresh the subscription.
- After a successful refresh, multiple nodes will appear in the list. Choose one with lower latency or a clear name.
- Turn on the connection switch at the top. On first use, you will be prompted to add a VPN configuration; tap Allow and enter your system password.
If no nodes appear after importing the subscription, do not keep deleting the app repeatedly. In most cases, the link was not copied completely, the subscription address has expired, or your current network cannot access the subscription server.
2. How to confirm whether it is actually working after import
Seeing Shadowrocket show as connected does not mean all traffic is being proxied as expected. It is recommended to check your IP, DNS, and browser environment in order to avoid situations where it “looks connected but is not actually working.”
- Check the IP: Open a browser and search for “IP lookup” to see whether the displayed region generally matches the selected node.
- Check DNS: If the IP has changed but some websites still will not open, the issue may be DNS pollution or caching. In Shadowrocket’s settings, you can try switching rule modes, refreshing the DNS cache, or restarting the network.
- Check the browser environment: Safari and Chrome may be affected by cache, login status, or webpage location permissions. You can revisit the target website using private browsing/incognito mode.
- Check split-routing rules: If you are using “Configuration/Rules” mode, some websites may be routed directly by the rules. You can temporarily switch to global mode for testing.
3. Common reasons for connection failure and how to handle them
If Shadowrocket cannot connect after importing a subscription, you can troubleshoot in the following order, which will usually identify most issues.
First, confirm whether the subscription has expired or is empty. Manually update the subscription item; if you get an error, a timeout, or no nodes appear, the subscription source may be unavailable. Second, test with a different node. Different nodes may have different statuses, and a failure on one node does not mean the entire subscription is unusable. Third, switch network environments—for example, move from Wi-Fi to mobile data—to rule out local network restrictions. Fourth, check whether the system time is accurate, as an incorrect time may cause TLS-type nodes to fail during the handshake.
Also note that Shadowrocket supports multiple protocols, such as Shadowsocks, VMess, VLESS, and Trojan. Ordinary users do not need to understand the underlying configuration, but you should keep the client version relatively up to date; otherwise, newer protocols or parameters may not be recognized. If node names display abnormally in the subscription or the import results in an empty list, you can try updating Shadowrocket or switching to a more compatible subscription.
4. Usage recommendations
For everyday use, it is recommended to keep 2–3 subscription sources. When something will not open, first refresh the subscription, then switch nodes, and finally change the rule mode. Do not frequently install profile files from unknown sources, and do not publicly share your subscription link with untrusted parties. Importing a subscription is only the first step; for truly stable use, you also need to pay attention to node availability, DNS resolution, and browser cache.