This guide explains how to use Shadowrocket and why your IP, DNS, and browser environment checks may show different results after connecting. It’s for iPhone and iPad users who want to import a node, enable the proxy, and troubleshoot common issues such as websites not loading, an unchanged IP, or DNS leaks.
1. Basic steps for using Shadowrocket
Often called “小火箭” (“Little Rocket”), Shadowrocket is a popular proxy client for iOS. It doesn’t provide nodes itself, so you’ll need to import a working V2Ray, VLESS, Trojan, or Shadowsocks node, or a subscription link. This site also collects free nodes for testing, but their reliability can vary. We recommend using them for temporary access and connection checks.
- Install Shadowrocket on your iPhone or iPad, and allow it to add a VPN configuration.
- Open the app, tap “+” in the top-right corner, then select “Subscribe” or the relevant protocol.
- For a subscription link, paste the URL, save it, then pull down to refresh. For an individual node, enter the details provided by your service provider.
- Return to the home screen, select a node, and tap the switch on the right to connect.
- The first time you connect, iOS will ask for permission to add a VPN configuration. Tap “Allow,” then enter your passcode to confirm.
Once connected, you’ll usually see a VPN indicator in the status bar. We recommend visiting an IP lookup site in your browser to confirm that your exit IP now matches the node’s location.
2. What IP, DNS, and browser environment checks mean
Many users assume that once Shadowrocket shows a connection, everything about their online environment has changed. In fact, different checks measure different things.
- IP address: The address websites see as your connection’s exit point. When the proxy is working, this should be the node server’s IP, not the IP assigned by your home broadband or mobile network.
- DNS: DNS translates domain names into IP addresses. If DNS requests still go through your local provider, you may be unable to access websites, experience unexpected redirects, or be flagged for a DNS leak.
- Browser environment: This includes your language, time zone, WebRTC, cookies, account sign-in status, and browser fingerprint. Shadowrocket mainly changes your network exit point; it doesn’t automatically alter these browser characteristics.
So if your IP appears to be overseas but your browser is still set to Chinese, your DNS appears local, or some websites still say your region doesn’t match, the node may still be working. These differences can result from a combination of proxy rules, DNS settings, and browser cache.
3. Recommended settings for a more stable connection
Most users should start with a configuration file or rule-based mode and avoid changing advanced settings unnecessarily. To test connectivity, you can switch to global proxy mode. For everyday use, rule-based mode is usually a better choice: domestic sites connect directly, while overseas sites use the proxy. This saves data and is generally more stable.
For DNS, enable remote DNS in your Shadowrocket configuration or use the DNS settings provided by your configuration file. Avoid installing multiple VPN, accelerator, or proxy apps at the same time. They may compete for the system’s VPN connection, causing the proxy to connect while websites remain inaccessible.
If a check site shows that WebRTC is exposing information about your local network, disable WebRTC in your browser or switch to a browser with privacy settings. Keep in mind that a browser fingerprint is not the same as a VPN issue. Shadowrocket can’t erase traces such as your accounts, cookies, language, or time zone with a single tap.
4. Troubleshooting connection failures and unexpected results
If you can’t connect, check the following in order:
- Make sure your subscription has been updated and the node hasn’t expired or become unavailable.
- Try two or three nodes in different regions to rule out a problem with a single node.
- Switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data to see whether the current network is restricting the connection.
- Close other VPN or proxy apps, leaving only Shadowrocket running.
- Switch to global proxy mode and check whether your IP changes, then switch back to rule-based mode.
- Clear your browser cache or use a private browsing window to check your IP and DNS again.
If your IP still doesn’t change in global mode, the issue is usually with the node, subscription, or system VPN permissions. If your IP has changed but some websites still won’t load, the cause is more likely to be your rules, DNS, the website’s security checks, or your browser environment. Follow the steps above to identify the most common issues when using Shadowrocket.