This article addresses the practical question, “How do I import a subscription into Shadowrocket?” It shows you how to add a subscription link, update nodes, and choose a proxy mode in Shadowrocket on iPhone/iPad. It also explains why your IP, DNS, and browser environment can affect access results and privacy checks after connecting.
1. What to prepare before importing a subscription into Shadowrocket
Shadowrocket is a popular proxy client for iOS. A subscription is usually a link beginning with https:// that contains node information for Vmess, VLESS, Trojan, Shadowsocks, and other protocols. You can use a subscription you already have, or get available nodes or a subscription link from the free nodes page on this site. Note: Do not share your subscription link publicly, as others may use it or cause unusual traffic on your account.
Before importing, check three things: your phone has a working network connection, the system time is accurate, and Shadowrocket is allowed to add VPN configurations. The first time you use it, iOS will prompt you to authorize adding a VPN configuration. Enter your device passcode to proceed.
2. How to import a subscription into Shadowrocket: step by step
- Open Shadowrocket and tap “+” in the top-right corner of the home screen.
- Select “Subscribe” or “Subscription” as the type. Don’t select a type for an individual node.
- Paste the subscription link into the URL field. You can enter “Free nodes” or a name of your choice in the Remarks field.
- Tap “Done/Save” in the top-right corner to return to the home screen.
- Tap the subscription you just added and select “Update,” or pull down to refresh. Wait for the node list to appear.
- Select a node, turn on the switch in the top-right corner, and tap Allow when prompted to enable the VPN.
If no nodes appear after updating, first check that the link is complete. Make sure you haven’t copied any extra spaces, Chinese punctuation, or line breaks. Some subscriptions require a proxy connection to update, so try switching between Wi-Fi and cellular data.
3. How your IP, DNS, and browser environment affect your connection
Many users assume that everything is “working normally” as soon as Shadowrocket connects. In practice, websites often check three types of information: your IP address, DNS resolution, and browser fingerprint. Your IP tells a website where you appear to be connecting from; DNS translates domain names into server addresses; and your browser environment includes settings and data such as language, time zone, WebRTC, cache, and cookies.
If you connect through an overseas node but your DNS requests still go through your local carrier, you may have a DNS leak. A leak can cause a test site to show an overseas IP but a domestic DNS server. We recommend enabling proxy DNS in Shadowrocket’s configuration or using the DNS settings included in your rule configuration. If you’ve previously signed in to a local account or have old cookies saved in your browser, a website may still show content for your original region.
4. Troubleshooting common issues
- Subscription won’t update: Check whether the link has expired, whether your network can access it, and whether the link was copied in full.
- A node connects, but webpages won’t load: Try another node or switch between Global, Config, and Proxy modes to test.
- Only some apps work: Check whether your rules are being applied correctly. If needed, temporarily switch to Global mode to test.
- It shows as connected, but your IP hasn’t changed: Make sure a node is selected, and close any other VPN or proxy apps.
- Access is still unreliable: Clear your browser cookies, address the risk of WebRTC leaks, or test in a private window.
For everyday use, update your subscription regularly. If a node stops working, don’t repeatedly change Shadowrocket’s core settings. Try another node, switch networks, or refresh the subscription first. Shadowrocket is only the client; connection stability also depends on node quality, route conditions, and your local network.