How to Use Shadowrocket: Import Nodes, Configure IP and DNS, and Set Up Your Browser Environment

This article answers common questions about “how to use Shadowrocket”: how to import nodes or subscriptions on an iPhone or iPad, how to check whether your IP has changed after enabling the proxy, and how to troubleshoot when DNS or browser settings are inconsistent and a website still flags unusual activity. It’s written for first-time Shadowrocket users to follow step by step.

1. Install the app and import nodes

Shadowrocket is a popular proxy client for iOS that supports protocols such as VLESS, VMess, Trojan, and Shadowsocks. It is mainly available through the App Store, so before installing it, make sure you’re using the official app and avoid installation packages from unknown sources.

1. Open Shadowrocket and tap “+” in the top-right corner of the home screen.
2. If you have a single node link, choose “Import from Clipboard,” or enter the type, server, port, UUID/password, and other details manually.
3. If you have a subscription link, go to “Configuration” or the relevant “Servers” section, choose the option to add a subscription URL, paste the link, and update it.
4. Return to the home screen, select a node, and tap the switch at the top. The first time you connect, you’ll be prompted to add a VPN configuration. Tap “Allow” and enter your phone passcode.
5. Once connected, a VPN icon will appear at the top of the iOS screen.

This site compiles free nodes for testing, which you can use to learn how to import nodes into the client. However, free node stability depends on the route, the number of users, and the time of day, so try another node if one stops working.

2. How to check whether your IP and DNS are working

Many people assume that seeing “Connected” in Shadowrocket means everything is working, but you should also check the exit IP, DNS resolution, and browser settings when visiting a website. The simplest way is to open an IP lookup site and check whether the displayed location matches your selected node. If your IP hasn’t changed, you may not be using the proxy, or your rules may not be matching.

• Global Proxy: Routes as much traffic as possible through the node. Useful for testing whether the connection works.
• Rule-based Proxy: Routes traffic according to rules, sending domestic sites direct and overseas sites through the proxy. This is more commonly used for everyday browsing.
• DNS settings: If DNS still shows your local carrier, you may be experiencing a DNS leak or a resolution issue.

In Shadowrocket, you can first switch to “Global” mode to test the connection. If it works globally but not with rules, the issue is likely with your rule configuration or outdated subscription rules. For DNS, we recommend using a reliable remote DNS server in the client’s DNS settings and avoiding multiple VPNs or ad-blocking apps that manage network traffic at the same time.

3. How browser settings relate to account security checks

Some websites look beyond your IP and also consider your language, time zone, browser cache, cookies, location permissions, and other details. For example, even if you’re connected to an overseas node, a browser set to Chinese, a time zone set to Beijing time, or cookies showing previous logins from another region may trigger verification.

Here’s what you can try: test in a private window in Safari or Chrome; disable location access for the website; clear the site’s cookies; set your system time to update automatically; and avoid frequently switching between nodes in different countries. Keep in mind that a proxy only changes your network exit point; it cannot completely change your device fingerprint.

4. Quick troubleshooting for connection failures

1. Try another node first to rule out an inactive node.
2. Check whether your subscription has expired or needs updating, then refresh it.
3. Switch to “Global” mode. If it works, check your rules.
4. Turn off other VPNs, accelerators, and DNS tools to avoid conflicts.
5. Restart Shadowrocket. If necessary, delete the VPN configuration and authorize it again.
6. Make sure your phone’s network is working, and test by switching between Wi-Fi and cellular data.

Timeouts, TLS handshake failures, and connection resets are usually related to the node’s route, protocol settings, or network conditions. Most users don’t need to change server-side settings; just make sure the imported link is complete and the node type has been identified correctly.

5. Recommended setup for beginners

If you’re new to Shadowrocket, we recommend following this order: “Import subscription—Update nodes—Test in Global mode—Switch back to Rule mode.” Once you’ve confirmed that you can open the target website, check your DNS and browser settings. For everyday browsing, use Rule mode; when troubleshooting, Global mode is easier to test. Keeping your subscription up to date and avoiding frequent node changes will usually provide a more stable experience.