This article addresses the practical question, “How do I import a subscription into Shadowrocket?” It explains how to import a subscription link into Shadowrocket on an iPhone or iPad, and how your IP, DNS, and browser environment interact after connecting—helping you troubleshoot common issues such as connecting successfully but being unable to load webpages, IP mismatches, and DNS leaks.
1. Before You Import a Subscription
Shadowrocket is a popular proxy client for iOS that supports importing multiple V2Ray, VLESS, Trojan, Shadowsocks, and other nodes via a subscription link. Before you begin, make sure you have Shadowrocket installed, your device has a working internet connection, and you have a valid subscription URL. This site provides free nodes and subscription tutorials. The reliability of free nodes can vary depending on the route and time, so it’s a good idea to have a few backups.
- Subscription links usually start with https://. They are not individual node links such as vmess:// or vless://.
- When copying the link, make sure not to include extra spaces, Chinese text, or line breaks.
- If your subscription needs updating, you can refresh it manually in the app later.
2. How to Import a Subscription into Shadowrocket
- Open Shadowrocket and go to the home screen.
- Tap the “+” in the upper-right corner and select “Subscribe” or “订阅” as the type.
- Paste the subscription link into the URL field. You can enter “Free Nodes” or a custom name in the remarks field.
- Tap “Done” in the upper-right corner to save. Return to the home screen, then pull down or tap the update button.
- Once the subscription has been successfully parsed, multiple nodes will appear. Select one and turn on the connection switch at the top.
- The first time you connect, iOS will prompt you to add a VPN configuration. Tap Allow and enter your passcode.
If the list is empty after importing, first check whether the subscription has expired and whether the link was copied in full. You can also try switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data, then updating again. A successfully imported subscription does not guarantee that its nodes will work—you’ll also need to test latency and check whether you can actually access websites.
3. How IP, DNS, and Your Browser Environment Are Related
When connected to Shadowrocket, websites will usually see the proxy node’s exit IP rather than your device’s original IP. You can check an IP lookup website to see whether your location has changed. If your IP hasn’t changed, the connection may not be enabled, your rules may be bypassing the proxy, or the app you’re using may not be routed through the proxy.
DNS translates domain names into IP addresses. If DNS requests still go through your local internet provider, you may be unable to load webpages, see incorrect location detection, or even experience DNS leaks. We recommend using the default or a trusted remote DNS in your Shadowrocket configuration, and avoiding the simultaneous use of multiple tools that change DNS settings. An IP address that changes while DNS does not is one common cause of access issues.
Your browser environment includes cookies, cache, language, time zone, WebRTC, and other settings. Even after your proxy IP changes, old cookies or WebRTC may still reveal differences in your environment. When testing, try using a private browsing window and, if necessary, clear the cookies for the website in question. Avoid frequently switching between nodes in different regions while using the same account, as this may trigger a platform’s risk controls.
4. Quick Troubleshooting for Connection Failures
- Subscription won’t update: Check that the link is valid, then try updating again with the proxy turned off.
- Node times out: Try another node in the same subscription or switch network connections.
- Connected but webpages won’t load: Check your routing mode and temporarily switch to global proxy mode for testing.
- Some websites behave unexpectedly: Clear your browser cache, disable WebRTC, or test with a different browser.
- Frequent disconnections: Turn off Low Power Mode and make sure iOS hasn’t disabled Shadowrocket’s VPN permission.
For everyday use, start with “Config/Rules” mode and switch to global mode for troubleshooting if you can’t access a website. Select a node again after updating the subscription. Importing the subscription correctly, confirming your exit IP, and checking DNS and your browser environment will resolve most Shadowrocket issues.