This guide covers the practical steps for using Shadowrocket (“小火箭”): how to import a node or subscription on iPhone/iPad, enable the proxy, and understand how IP, DNS, and your browser environment interact. It also explains how to avoid common issues such as connecting successfully but being unable to open webpages, seeing no change in your IP, or experiencing DNS leaks.
1. Getting started with Shadowrocket
Shadowrocket, often called “小火箭” (“Little Rocket”), is a popular proxy client for iOS. It supports node formats such as V2Ray, VLESS, Trojan, and Shadowsocks. The app does not provide proxy servers, so you’ll need to import a working node or subscription link. This site lists some free nodes for temporary testing, but actual connection stability may vary.
- Install Shadowrocket on your iPhone or iPad, then open the app.
- Tap “+” in the upper-right corner and choose “Type.” Enter the server address, port, UUID, encryption method, and other details for your node format. For a subscription, select “Subscribe/订阅” and paste the subscription link.
- After importing, return to the home screen, select a node, and turn on the connection switch at the top.
- The first time you connect, iOS will ask to add a VPN configuration. Tap Allow, then enter your device passcode to confirm.
- Once connected, visit an IP lookup site in your browser to check whether your public IP has changed.
If you use a subscription link, update it regularly from the subscription entry so expired nodes don’t remain in your list. If you have several nodes to choose from, prioritize ones with lower latency that have been working recently.
2. What IP, DNS, and your browser environment affect
IP determines the apparent location websites see for your connection. Once Shadowrocket is connected, web traffic should normally exit through the selected node, and an IP lookup should show the node’s region. If your IP hasn’t changed, the proxy may be off, the rules may not match, or the app you’re using may not be routed through the proxy.
DNS translates domain names into IP addresses. Even with the proxy connected, if DNS requests are still handled by your local network, you may be unable to open websites, resolve domains to the wrong address, or risk a DNS leak. Most users can stick with the default rules in Shadowrocket or choose a configuration file that supports remote DNS. Avoid switching to an unfamiliar DNS server without a clear reason.
Your browser environment includes information such as cache, cookies, language, time zone, and WebRTC settings. Many websites consider more than just your IP: they may also use your account history and browser fingerprint to assess your environment. So if a webpage still shows your old region after you switch nodes, the cause may be your browser cache or account region settings—not a problem with Shadowrocket.
3. Recommended setup
- For everyday browsing, use “Rule-based Proxy” mode so domestic websites connect directly and overseas websites use the proxy.
- When testing whether a node works, temporarily switch to Global Proxy mode to rule out issues with the rules.
- After switching nodes, close and reopen the browser page, and clear the cache if needed.
- Don’t run multiple VPN or proxy apps at the same time, as they can interfere with routing.
For beginners, the simplest way to troubleshoot is to connect with Shadowrocket, then check your IP. If the IP has changed but some websites won’t load, check the rules, DNS, and browser cache. This is more effective than repeatedly switching nodes.
4. Connection troubleshooting checklist
If Shadowrocket says the connection failed, check the following in order: whether the node has expired and the subscription needs updating; whether your phone’s internet connection is working; whether the device time is correct; whether all protocol settings are filled in; and whether your workplace or school network has restrictions. If it says you’re connected but you can’t access the internet, try another node first, then turn off Wi-Fi and test using mobile data.
If only one website won’t open, the issue is usually not with installing the app, but with the rules, DNS, or the website’s security checks. Temporarily try Global mode. If the site opens, the rules need adjusting. If no websites open, first check that the node is working and that Shadowrocket has VPN permission.
In short, the basic steps are to import a node, select a route, connect, and verify your IP. Once you understand the differences between IP, DNS, and your browser environment, troubleshooting becomes clearer—and you’re less likely to mistake a cache, account region, or DNS issue for a node failure.