This guide addresses the practical question of how to import a subscription into Shadowrocket (小火箭), with a focus on teams and other shared-use scenarios: how to import a subscription link, standardize routing settings, and why account environments and node-switching habits can affect connection stability.
1. What to prepare before importing a subscription
Shadowrocket is a commonly used proxy client for iOS. Before importing a subscription, make sure you have a valid subscription link. These links are usually URLs beginning with https and contain node information for protocols such as VLESS, VMess, and Trojan. This site also curates free nodes and subscription resources for testing connections, but teams planning long-term use should keep multiple backup sources.
- Make sure Shadowrocket is installed on your iPhone and is allowed to create VPN configurations.
- Copy the complete subscription link without including extra spaces or explanatory text.
- Team members should use the same import instructions to avoid accidentally deleting configurations.
- If your network is restricted, switch between Wi-Fi and cellular data before trying to update the subscription.
2. How to import a subscription into Shadowrocket
- Open Shadowrocket and go to the home screen.
- Tap the “+” in the upper-right corner and select “Subscribe” as the type.
- Paste the subscription link into the URL field. You can add a note with the team name or purpose, such as “Office backup.”
- Tap “Done” to save, then return to the home screen and pull down to refresh the subscription.
- Once the refresh succeeds, multiple nodes will appear in the list. Choose one with a lower latency.
- Tap the switch at the top. The first time you use it, follow the prompts to allow the VPN configuration to be added.
For individual use, these steps are all you need. For teams, it’s a good idea for an administrator to document the subscription name, routing mode, and update schedule so everyone follows the same setup and avoids problems caused by individual changes.
3. How account environment stability relates to subscriptions
Many people assume that node quality is all that matters after importing a subscription, but account environment stability is also important. When multiple team members are using the service at the same time, frequently switching between nodes in different regions may cause some websites to flag account logins as unusual, resulting in additional verification, security checks, or temporary restrictions.
We recommend grouping accounts by purpose: keep work accounts on relatively stable nodes in the same region, and use test accounts for frequent switching. Don’t share a single website account among multiple people who log in from different countries or regions within a short period. Shadowrocket may offer many nodes, but switching more often isn’t necessarily better—stability is the priority for everyday work.
4. Recommended settings for team use
- Use a single subscription source: Have one person maintain the subscription link, while other members handle importing and updating it.
- Use consistent routing rules: “Config” or “Rule” mode is commonly used to avoid routing domestic apps through the proxy.
- Update subscriptions regularly: If a node stops working, pull down to refresh before deleting the configuration.
- Keep backup nodes: Prepare backup options on different routes or in different regions.
In Shadowrocket, team members can go to “Config” to view the current routing rules. If you’re unfamiliar with how the rules work, don’t edit scripts or remote configuration URLs. Most users only need to know how to import and update subscriptions, switch nodes, and check logs.
5. How to troubleshoot connection failures
If Shadowrocket can’t connect after you import a subscription, check the following in order: whether the subscription link has expired, whether the node is still available, whether VPN permissions are enabled in iOS, whether your phone’s time is correct, and whether your current network is blocking the subscription URL. You can also test another node or delete the subscription and add it again.
If you see “Update failed,” the link is usually unreachable or wasn’t copied in full. If it says “Connected” but webpages won’t load, check the routing mode and DNS settings first. In a team setting, if only one member is affected, the problem is usually with that device’s network or permissions. If everyone is affected at the same time, the subscription source or nodes are more likely to be unavailable.
In short, importing a subscription into Shadowrocket is straightforward, but teams should pay close attention to consistent settings and login environments. Keep subscription sources well documented, switch nodes sparingly, and troubleshoot issues systematically for a more stable connection.