This guide addresses the practical question of how to import a subscription into Shadowrocket (often called “小火箭,” or “Little Rocket”): you’ll learn how to add a subscription link, update nodes, and choose a route. You’ll also understand why your IP, DNS, and browser environment can still affect things after you connect, making it easier to troubleshoot issues such as websites not loading or showing the wrong region.
1. What to prepare before importing a subscription into Shadowrocket
Shadowrocket is a popular proxy client for iOS. It doesn’t provide nodes itself, so you’ll need a working subscription link. Subscription links usually start with https and contain node information for protocols such as VLESS, VMess, Trojan, and Shadowsocks. You can use a subscription you already have, or get temporary nodes for testing from the free nodes page on this site.
Before importing, check three things: that the subscription link is complete, that your phone has a working network connection, and that the system time is correct. Many import failures aren’t caused by the client but by a missing character in the copied link or an expired subscription address.
2. How to import a subscription into Shadowrocket: step-by-step
- Open Shadowrocket on your iPhone and go to the main screen.
- Tap the “+” in the top-right corner, then select “Subscribe” or “订阅” as the type.
- Paste your subscription link into the URL field. You can add a note such as “Free nodes” or “Backup subscription.”
- Tap “Done” in the top-right corner to save.
- Return to the home screen and pull down to refresh, or tap the update button next to the subscription. 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 the VPN configuration to be added.
If the import succeeds but no nodes appear, the subscription may be empty, the link may have expired, or the connection may be blocked by your network. Try updating again on a different network—for example, switch from Wi-Fi to cellular data.
3. How IP, DNS, and your browser environment affect your connection
Many users assume that seeing “Connected” in Shadowrocket means everything will work as expected, but the results you see can also depend on your IP, DNS, and browser cache. Your IP determines where websites think you’re connecting from. If your node exits in another region, page content, search results, and account security checks may all change.
DNS translates domain names into server addresses. If DNS requests still go through your local network, you may find that some sites won’t load even though you’re connected, or that your location is detected incorrectly. In Shadowrocket, check your configuration mode. A common approach is to use proxy rules and enable remote DNS to avoid DNS leaks.
Your browser environment can also affect what websites detect, including your language, time zone, cookies, and login history. Even if your IP has changed, a website may still identify your original environment based on your account history or browser fingerprint. If something seems off, try a private browsing window, clear the site’s cookies, or test with another browser.
4. Common troubleshooting checklist
- Subscription won’t update: Make sure the link hasn’t expired, copy it in full, and remove any extra spaces.
- Node times out: Try a different node, or switch between Wi-Fi and cellular data.
- Connected, but websites won’t load: Check your rule mode and try global proxy mode for testing.
- IP hasn’t changed: Make sure the VPN icon is visible at the top and that you’ve selected a working node.
- Some apps aren’t using the proxy: Check whether the rules are sending them directly, and switch to global mode if needed.
If you’re new to Shadowrocket, start with “Global” mode to confirm that the node works, then switch back to “Rule” mode for everyday use. Global mode is useful for troubleshooting, while Rule mode is better for long-term use because it avoids routing domestic websites through an unnecessary detour.
5. Tips for using subscriptions
A subscription isn’t guaranteed to work forever after a single import. Nodes can change due to maintenance, rate limits, or outages. Make a habit of updating your subscription regularly. If you run into connection issues, refresh the node list first, then try a different route. Avoid logging into sensitive accounts through subscriptions from unknown sources, and use a trusted network for important tasks whenever possible. With these steps, you can quickly import a subscription into Shadowrocket and use your IP, DNS, and browser environment to diagnose most connection issues.