This guide explains how to import a subscription into Shadowrocket and why you might still encounter issues afterward, such as websites not loading, your IP address not changing, DNS leaks, or browser environment problems. It’s intended for iPhone and iPad users who already have a subscription link, a free node subscription, or a VPN provider subscription.
1. Basic steps for importing a subscription into Shadowrocket
Shadowrocket is an iOS app. Before importing a subscription, make sure you have a subscription URL that starts with http or https, not a QR code for a single node or a block of configuration text. This site also provides free nodes for testing, but their reliability may vary, so switch nodes as needed.
- Open Shadowrocket and go to the home screen.
- Tap the “+” in the top-right corner and select Subscribe or “Subscription” as the type.
- Paste your subscription link into the URL field. You can enter “Free nodes” or a custom name as the remark.
- Tap Done, return to the home screen, then pull down to refresh and wait for the node list to appear.
- Select a node and turn on the connection switch at the top. The first time you connect, follow the prompt to allow Shadowrocket to add a VPN configuration.
If the subscription link is valid, multiple nodes should appear. If no nodes show up, first check that the link was copied in full, hasn’t expired, and wasn’t truncated by a line break.
2. How to check whether the import worked
Importing a subscription doesn’t necessarily mean you’re connected. We recommend testing in this order: connect to a node, open a browser and visit a familiar website, then search for “IP lookup” to see whether your public IP address has changed. If the connection icon appears but websites won’t load, the issue may be with the node, DNS, or routing rules rather than the subscription import.
- Global mode: Routes as much traffic as possible through the proxy; useful for troubleshooting connectivity.
- Configuration mode: Routes traffic according to rules. Domestic sites may connect directly, while international sites use the proxy.
- Direct mode: Does not use a proxy. Make sure you don’t select it while testing.
For initial troubleshooting, temporarily switch to Global mode. If it works in Global mode but not in Configuration mode, the issue is likely with the rules file or routing policy.
3. How IP, DNS, and the browser environment are related
Many users assume that once Shadowrocket connects, it automatically makes their entire environment private. In reality, IP address, DNS, browser cache, and account risk controls are separate factors.
IP address determines the apparent location of your connection to websites. If your IP hasn’t changed after connecting, you may not have enabled the proxy, may have selected Direct mode, may be using an inactive node, or the app you’re using may not route traffic through the current proxy.
DNS translates domain names into server addresses. DNS issues can cause problems such as being connected to a VPN but unable to open websites, being redirected to the wrong page, or failing to resolve certain domains. Try enabling remote DNS in your Shadowrocket configuration, or switch to a routing configuration that supports DNS resolution through the proxy.
Your browser environment includes cookies, cache, language, time zone, WebRTC, and more. Even if your IP address changes, websites may detect the change based on your previous sign-ins or browser fingerprint. If you have trouble signing in to an account, try a private browsing window, clear your cookies, or test with a clean browser.
4. Common troubleshooting checklist
- Subscription won’t update: Check that the link is complete, try opening it in Safari to see if it displays content, and copy it again if needed.
- Nodes import but won’t connect: Try another node. Free nodes may be temporarily congested or inactive.
- Shows as connected but websites won’t load: Switch to Global mode, turn the VPN off and on again, and check your DNS settings.
- Only some websites won’t load: Update your routing configuration, or temporarily switch to Global mode to troubleshoot.
- Your IP address is still local: Make sure you haven’t selected Direct mode and that the app you’re using isn’t set to bypass the proxy.
In short, importing a subscription into Shadowrocket comes down to adding the subscription URL, refreshing the node list, selecting a node, and connecting. If the import succeeds but you still have access issues, don’t focus only on the subscription link. Also check whether the node is working, which proxy mode is selected, whether DNS is resolving correctly, and whether your browser environment could be affecting access.