This article addresses the key question, “How do I use Shadowrocket?” It walks you through importing nodes or a subscription, enabling the proxy, and understanding why you should also check your IP, DNS, and browser environment after connecting. It’s designed for first-time Shadowrocket users and provides straightforward, step-by-step instructions.
1. How to use Shadowrocket: the basics
Shadowrocket, often called “Little Rocket” by Chinese-speaking users, is a popular iOS proxy client that can connect to nodes using V2Ray, VLESS, Trojan, Shadowsocks, and other protocols. It’s only a client, so access depends on whether your imported node or subscription is working. This site compiles information on some free nodes, or you can use a subscription link you already have.
- Install Shadowrocket on your iPhone or iPad, open it, and approve the VPN configuration permission.
- Tap “+” in the top-right corner, select “Type,” and choose SS, VMess, VLESS, Trojan, or another option that matches your node format.
- For a subscription link, go to the relevant “Configuration” or “Subscription” section, paste in the subscription URL, and tap Update.
- Return to the home screen, select a node, and turn on the switch at the top. When prompted for VPN permission, tap Allow.
- Open a browser and visit an IP lookup site to check whether your public IP has changed.
If you have a link such as vmess://, vless://, or trojan://, you can also copy it and return to Shadowrocket, which will usually recognize and import it automatically. After importing, start by testing a recently updated node with low latency.
2. What your IP, DNS, and browser environment affect
IP is the public address websites see. When Shadowrocket is on, websites should normally see the node server’s IP rather than your local network’s IP. If your IP hasn’t changed, the proxy may not be working, your traffic may not be routed through the proxy by the rules, or the node may have failed to connect.
DNS translates domain names into IP addresses. Some connection problems aren’t caused by a faulty node but by DNS requests being intercepted or sent through your local network. You can adjust DNS in Shadowrocket’s settings. A common approach is to enable remote DNS or use a reliable public DNS service to avoid situations where you can connect but webpages won’t load.
Browser environment includes your cache, cookies, language, time zone, and WebRTC settings. Even if your IP has changed, some websites may still identify your environment based on past login activity, browser cache, or location permissions. When testing, try using private browsing, disable location permissions for websites, and clear cookies for any problematic sites.
3. Recommended rules and mode settings
Shadowrocket commonly offers Global Proxy, rule-based configuration, and direct connection modes. Beginners shouldn’t use Global Proxy all the time, since domestic apps will also go through the proxy and may become slow or behave unexpectedly. For everyday use, Rule Mode is generally recommended: traffic to sites that need a proxy goes through a node, while domestic sites and local network traffic connect directly.
- Just want to test a node quickly? Temporarily select Global Proxy.
- For everyday browsing, use Rule Mode with a reliable rule configuration.
- If domestic apps won’t open, check whether they’re being routed through the proxy by mistake; switch to Rule Mode or test a direct connection.
- If a particular website won’t open, try another node, switch DNS, or clear your browser cache.
4. Troubleshooting connection failures
If Shadowrocket shows that you’re connected but webpages won’t open, check the following in order: First, make sure the node hasn’t expired and the subscription is up to date. Second, test two or three different nodes to rule out a problem with a single node. Third, check that your device’s time is correct. Fourth, confirm that Shadowrocket has VPN permission. Fifth, switch between Wi-Fi and cellular data to see whether your current network is restricting the connection.
If only some websites are affected, the issue is likely related to your rules, DNS, or browser environment. Try switching to Global Proxy first: if it works, the node is fine, so check your rule settings; if it still doesn’t work, try a different node or subscription.
In short, the essentials of using Shadowrocket are to import nodes correctly, choose the right proxy mode, confirm that your IP has changed, and troubleshoot any issues caused by DNS or browser cache. Follow the steps above to get set up and use Shadowrocket reliably.