This guide addresses the practical question of how to import a subscription into Shadowrocket. It covers importing a subscription link on iPhone or iPad, updating nodes, choosing a route, and troubleshooting connection issues after import by checking your IP, DNS, and browser environment. It’s intended for users who have a free-node or VPN-provider subscription but aren’t sure what to do next.
1. Basic steps for importing a subscription into Shadowrocket
Before you begin, make sure Shadowrocket is installed and that you have a valid subscription link. A subscription is usually a URL beginning with https://, not a QR code for a single node. This site also compiles information on some free nodes; before using them, check when the information was last updated and whether the nodes are available.
- Open Shadowrocket and tap “+” in the top-right corner of the home screen.
- Select Subscribe or “Subscription” as the type.
- Paste your subscription link into the URL field. You can enter “Free nodes” as the remark or choose a custom name.
- Tap “Done” in the top-right corner. Return to the home screen, 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 prompts to allow a VPN configuration to be added.
If the subscription imports successfully but no nodes appear, common causes include an incomplete link, an expired subscription, or a network that can’t access the subscription address. Try opening the subscription link in Safari first. If it displays a long string of encoded text or automatically downloads a configuration, the link is probably accessible.
2. Updating subscriptions and choosing nodes
Importing a subscription doesn’t mean its nodes will remain available forever. You can swipe left on the subscription group or open the configuration page to update it manually. If connections often fail, don’t rush to reinstall the app. First try switching nodes, updating the subscription, or changing your network.
- Low latency doesn’t necessarily mean the best speed, but it can help narrow down your options.
- Nodes in the same region may become unstable when many people are using them. Switching routes is often more effective than changing advanced settings.
- Free nodes may only be available for a limited time, so it’s a good idea to keep several sources as backups.
- If you only want to browse the web, choose a stable node. If you’re using an account to sign in, try to avoid frequently switching between countries or regions.
3. How IP, DNS, and your browser environment are related
When Shadowrocket is connected, websites you visit will usually see the proxy’s exit IP address rather than your device’s IP address from your carrier. If the app says “Connected” but your IP hasn’t changed, the current rule may not be proxying that website, the node may not actually be connected, or the system’s network cache may not have refreshed. Visit an IP lookup site to check your exit address.
DNS translates domain names into IP addresses. DNS issues can allow a node to connect while preventing webpages from loading or causing some websites to redirect incorrectly. You can use the default DNS in Shadowrocket; most users shouldn’t enter an unfamiliar DNS address. If you encounter DNS poisoning or slow lookups, try switching to a remote DNS recommended by the app or enabling the relevant leak protection option.
Your browser environment can also affect the results. For example, Safari and Chrome may use cached data, and some websites store cookies, language, time zone, and WebRTC information. If a page still shows your old region after you switch nodes, try clearing the website’s data, closing and reopening the browser, or testing again in a private window. Keep in mind that a VPN only changes your network’s exit point; it can’t completely change your device fingerprint.
4. Quick troubleshooting for connection failures after import
- Make sure the subscription link is accessible, then manually update it in Shadowrocket.
- Test two or three different nodes so you don’t mistake a single node failure for an app issue.
- Check that VPN access is allowed in iOS Settings and that Shadowrocket’s switch is on.
- Switch between Wi-Fi and cellular data to rule out local network restrictions.
- Turn off other VPNs, proxies, and ad-blocking tools to avoid configuration conflicts.
- Once connected, check your IP and then open the target website. If your IP has changed but the webpage is still having issues, focus on DNS and browser cache.
In summary, importing a subscription into Shadowrocket comes down to adding a Subscribe entry, pasting the link, updating it, and selecting a node. The user experience usually depends on whether the subscription is valid, the node is available, and the IP, DNS, and browser cache are all consistent. Following the steps above should help you identify most connection issues.