This article explains how to import a subscription into Shadowrocket (小火箭) and why, when a team shares one subscription, connection stability can vary depending on account and network environments. It’s for users who already have a subscription link and want to import it into Shadowrocket on an iPhone or iPad for consistent use.
1. Standard steps for importing a subscription into Shadowrocket
- Open Shadowrocket on your iOS device. On the home screen, tap “+” in the upper-right corner.
- Under “Type,” select “Subscribe” or “订阅”—not a manual node type.
- Paste your subscription link into the “URL” field. You can add a label such as “Team subscription” or “Backup routes” to make it easy to identify.
- Tap “Done” in the upper-right corner. Return to the home screen and pull down to refresh, then wait for the node list to update.
- Select a node and turn on the connection switch at the top. The first time you connect, follow the prompt to allow Shadowrocket to add a VPN configuration.
- After connecting, open a browser and test access to a webpage. If it doesn’t load, try another node.
If you get free nodes or a subscription from this site, the import process is the same. Keep in mind that free nodes may become unavailable, so it’s a good idea to keep multiple backup configurations rather than relying on a single option.
2. Stability issues to consider when using Shadowrocket as a team
In a team setting, people often assume that “as long as the subscription imports, everything will work.” In practice, stability also depends on the account environment, device network, and usage habits. For example, the same subscription may perform differently on office Wi-Fi, home broadband, and mobile networks. Frequent node switching by multiple users at the same time can also lead to inconsistent connections.
- Don’t share the same Apple ID environment: Shadowrocket is an iOS client, and installation and updates depend on the account environment. Team members should use their own devices and accounts to avoid confusion with app updates and configuration syncing.
- Don’t share subscription links publicly: Distribute links within the team through a shared document or an administrator. If a link is exposed, unauthorized use could affect availability for everyone.
- Use a consistent refresh schedule: Avoid having everyone refresh the subscription repeatedly within a short period. In general, refresh only when nodes are unavailable or an administrator announces an update.
- Keep a backup client option: Alternatives such as Clash or sing-box can help you determine whether an issue on iOS is caused by the nodes or the client.
3. How to troubleshoot connection issues after importing
First, make sure the subscription link is complete. Common mistakes include leaving out the opening https:// or copying extra spaces. Next, check whether Shadowrocket has fetched the nodes on its home screen. If the list is empty, the subscription hasn’t updated correctly. Long-press the subscription configuration and select “Update,” or delete it and add it again.
If the nodes appear but won’t connect, try these steps in order: switch nodes, turn the VPN off and on again, switch between Wi-Fi and cellular data, and restart Shadowrocket. If only one team member is affected, check their system time, network restrictions, VPN permissions, and account environment. If nobody can connect, the subscription source or the nodes themselves are more likely to be the issue.
In short, importing a subscription into Shadowrocket is straightforward. The key for team use is to consider subscription management, device accounts, and network environments separately. Following the steps above and setting up backup nodes and a troubleshooting process can help prevent situations where “it works for everyone else but not for me.”