This guide explains how to import a subscription into Shadowrocket (小火箭) and, in particular, why the same subscription can behave differently across accounts and network environments when shared by a team. It’s intended for users who already have a subscription link and want to import it quickly on an iPhone or iPad.
1. Check these details before importing a subscription
Importing a subscription into Shadowrocket essentially means adding a subscription URL to the app so it can automatically retrieve available nodes. For team use, it’s a good idea for the administrator to confirm the subscription source, protocol type, and update rules in advance, so team members don’t accidentally copy the wrong link.
- Make sure the subscription link is complete. It usually starts with http or https.
- Check that the link hasn’t expired and contains no extra spaces or line breaks.
- Make sure Shadowrocket can connect to the internet and is allowed to use cellular data or Wi-Fi.
- If you’re using a free node subscription provided on this site, copy the link from the latest page to avoid using an outdated URL.
Don’t post subscription links publicly in group announcements or on external platforms. Even within a team, distribute links to members individually whenever possible to make connection issues easier to troubleshoot.
2. How to import a subscription into Shadowrocket
- Open Shadowrocket and go to the configuration list on the home screen.
- Tap the “+” in the upper-right corner and select “Subscribe” as the type.
- Paste your subscription link in the URL field. You can add a note for the team or intended use, such as “Office backup.”
- Tap Save, return to the home screen, and pull down to refresh. 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 prompts to allow the VPN configuration to be added.
If the subscription imports successfully but includes many nodes, team members should avoid sticking to the same node. Instead, spread out your choices based on region, intended use, or latency test results. This helps prevent congestion at a single point and makes it easier for administrators to tell whether an issue is with a node or an individual device.
3. How subscription and account environments affect stability
A common issue with team subscriptions is that one person can connect while another can’t, or that the same subscription works at the office but not at home. This doesn’t necessarily mean the subscription has expired. Account environments, network egress, and client status can all affect the connection.
A stable subscription doesn’t mean every node will always be available. A subscription is just a list of nodes. Actual connections are also affected by your local network, carrier routing, system time, DNS, client version, and other factors. If several team members use the same Apple ID to download the app, frequently switch devices, or share a subscription, troubleshooting can also become more difficult.
4. Recommended settings for team use
- Use the same version of Shadowrocket to avoid differences in the interface and rules.
- Use a consistent naming convention for subscription notes, such as “Team – Primary Subscription” and “Team – Backup Subscription.”
- When reporting an issue, include a screenshot showing the node name, error message, and current network. Don’t just say, “It doesn’t work.”
- Refresh subscriptions regularly, but don’t refresh repeatedly within a short period.
- Prepare a backup subscription or client configuration for frequent users so they can switch temporarily if needed.
Administrators should keep one test device available to check whether the subscription itself is working. If the test device can connect, the issue is more likely to be with a team member’s device, network, or configuration. If the test device also fails, check whether the subscription needs updating or the nodes are unavailable.
5. Quick troubleshooting for connection failures
If the subscription doesn’t work after import, check the following in order: first, confirm that the subscription refreshes successfully; then test two or three different nodes; next, switch between Wi-Fi and cellular data; finally, restart Shadowrocket or your phone. A timeout may mean the route is unreachable. An authentication failure may mean the link has expired or the node parameters have changed. If you can’t add a VPN configuration at all, check the VPN permissions in iOS.
Overall, importing a subscription into Shadowrocket is straightforward. The key for teams is to standardize where links come from, how they’re named, and how issues are reported. Reliable use isn’t just about finding one node—it’s about having a process for troubleshooting and switching when needed.