This guide addresses the practical question of how to import a subscription into Shadowrocket (小火箭) on an iPhone or iPad, test the connection, and understand what your IP, DNS, and browser environment indicate after connecting. This can help you troubleshoot issues such as “connected but can’t open websites,” “IP hasn’t changed,” or “websites still flag unusual activity.”
1. What to prepare before importing a subscription into Shadowrocket
Shadowrocket is a popular proxy client for iOS that supports various node formats, including SS, VMess, VLESS, and Trojan. Before importing a subscription, you’ll need a working subscription link, which typically starts with http or https. This site also shares free nodes and subscription guides, but the stability of free nodes can vary depending on your network environment, so we recommend testing them one by one after importing.
- Make sure Shadowrocket is installed and that you allow it to add a VPN configuration.
- Copy the entire subscription link without any extra spaces or explanatory text.
- Make sure your current network can access the subscription URL. Try both Wi-Fi and cellular data.
2. How to import a subscription into Shadowrocket: Step by step
- Open Shadowrocket and go to the home screen.
- Tap the “+” in the top-right corner, then 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/Save” in the top-right corner to return to the list.
- Tap the subscription you just added, select “Update,” or pull down to refresh, then wait for the nodes to appear.
- Select a node and turn on the switch at the top. The first time you use it, follow the prompt to allow Shadowrocket to add a VPN configuration.
If no nodes appear after updating the subscription, first check whether the link has expired, whether you copied it in full, and whether you can open it in a browser. Avoid adding the same subscription repeatedly, as this can clutter the list.
3. How to check your IP, DNS, and browser environment after connecting
Once the subscription is imported and the connection is active, the easiest thing to check is your outbound IP. Visit an IP lookup site and see whether the displayed location matches the node you selected. If your IP hasn’t changed, the node may not actually be connected, your traffic may not be routed through the proxy, or the site you’re visiting may be set to use a direct connection.
DNS affects how domain names are resolved. Common symptoms include being connected to the proxy but unable to open some websites, unexpected redirects, or messages saying your region doesn’t match. You can use the system DNS in Shadowrocket’s configuration or switch to a commonly used public DNS by following a guide, then reconnect and test again. Most users don’t need to dig into the details; just remember that DNS issues can make a connection appear active while access still doesn’t work properly.
Your browser environment includes cache, cookies, language, time zone, WebRTC, and other settings. Even if your IP has changed, a website may still flag your environment based on past login records or your browser fingerprint. If this happens, try an incognito window, clear the site’s cookies, or test with another browser.
4. Common fixes for subscription import issues
- “Invalid URL” message: Check that the subscription starts with http/https and contains no line breaks or spaces.
- No nodes after updating: The subscription source may be unavailable. Try another network or try again later.
- Connected but can’t open websites: Switch nodes and check whether the routing mode is set to Proxy or Config.
- Unstable speeds: The number of people using free nodes can fluctuate, so try testing several nodes.
In short, importing a subscription into Shadowrocket comes down to “copy the subscription link—add it under Subscribe—update the nodes—select a node and connect.” After connecting, troubleshoot access issues by checking your IP, DNS, and browser environment. This resolves most common problems new users encounter.