This article answers common questions about using Shadowrocket: how to import nodes or subscriptions on an iPhone or iPad, enable the proxy, and check whether your IP, DNS, and browser environment are consistent after connecting. These checks can help prevent issues such as “connected” status with no web access, or an IP change that still triggers security warnings.
1. Before you start: Install the app and get nodes
Shadowrocket, commonly called “Little Rocket” by Chinese users, is a popular proxy client for iOS that supports common node formats such as Shadowsocks, VMess, VLESS, and Trojan. Before using it, you’ll need the app itself and a working node or subscription link. This site also provides free nodes for temporary testing, but their reliability can vary, so it’s a good idea to have a few backups ready before connecting.
- Make sure your device’s network is working, and consider turning off any other VPN or proxy apps first.
- Have a node link, QR code, or subscription URL ready.
- Make sure your system clock is set to update automatically. An incorrect time can cause TLS connection failures.
2. How to import nodes into Shadowrocket
If you have a subscription link, follow these steps:
- Open Shadowrocket and tap “+” in the top-right corner.
- Select “Subscribe” as the type.
- Paste the subscription URL into the URL field. You can enter “Free nodes” or the service name as a remark.
- After saving, return to the home screen, tap the subscription you just added, and select “Update.”
- Select a node and turn on the connection switch at the top. The first time you connect, you’ll be prompted to add a VPN configuration; tap Allow.
If you have a link for a single node, copy it and open Shadowrocket; the app will usually detect it automatically. You can also tap “+,” select the appropriate protocol, and enter the details manually. Most users shouldn’t change settings such as encryption, transport, or security. Leave them at their defaults after importing.
3. How to check your IP, DNS, and browser environment after connecting
A successful connection doesn’t necessarily mean everything is working properly. We recommend checking in this order: first, visit an IP lookup site and confirm that your public IP has changed; next, check for DNS leaks and confirm that your DNS server is no longer your local ISP; finally, visit the target website in Safari or your usual browser and see whether it loads normally.
IP is the public address websites see when you visit them. DNS translates domain names into IP addresses. If DNS requests still go through your local network, this can cause access issues or expose your browsing activity. Your browser environment includes settings and data such as language, time zone, cache, cookies, and WebRTC, which some websites consider together. For everyday use, there’s no need to overcomplicate things. But if a platform frequently flags your login as unusual, try clearing your cookies, disabling WebRTC, or using a private browsing window.
4. Troubleshooting common connection issues
- Connection times out: Try another node, switch between Wi-Fi and cellular data, or update the subscription.
- Connected but websites won’t load: Check the rule mode and switch to “Global” to test.
- Some websites won’t load: A rule may not be matching. Update the rules or temporarily use global proxy mode.
- Subscription is empty: Check that the URL is complete and that no spaces or line breaks were added when copying it.
- Frequent disconnections: Try a node using a similar protocol, or restart the app and your device’s network connection.
For beginners, the best approach is to use a correctly configured subscription and either let the app select a node automatically or switch nodes manually. Avoid changing complex rules right away. If you only need temporary access, import the free nodes provided on this site and verify the connection by checking your IP, DNS, and web access. If something goes wrong, try another node first, then another network, and finally check the rules. This sequence can usually help identify most problems.